14 Subdistricts in West Bandung at Risk of Drought, BPBD Prepares Emergency Scenarios
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WEST BANDUNG — The threat of drought is beginning to be anticipated in line with predictions of an extreme dry season due to El Niño. The BPBD of West Bandung Regency has mapped most of the region as entering the high-risk category.
As many as 14 out of 16 subdistricts in the area are potentially affected by drought in 2026. High-risk areas include Lembang, Parongpong, Cisarua, Ngamprah, Padalarang, Cikalongwetan, Cipatat, Cihampelas, Sindangkerta, Gununghalu, Rongga, Cipongkor, Cililin, and Cipeundeuy. Meanwhile, Batujajar and Saguling are in the medium-risk category.
The Head of Prevention and Preparedness Division of BPBD West Bandung Regency, Dedi Supriadi, said that mitigation cannot be done alone. “We cannot work alone. Mitigation must be carried out comprehensively by involving all stakeholders, from water management, agriculture, to fire preparedness,” said Dedi on Saturday (18/4/2026).
BPBD is preparing several anticipatory measures, from optimising water management in reservoirs and dams to preparing scenarios for distributing clean water to affected communities. “We are preparing scenarios for clean water distribution and mapping priority areas. We must not be late to act when the crisis occurs,” Dedi stated.
In the agricultural sector, coordination is being carried out to adjust the planting calendar and the use of drought-resistant seeds to minimise the risk of crop failure.
In addition, vigilance against forest and land fires is being increased. BPBD is strengthening coordination with fire brigades and Perhutani to ensure a rapid response when land and forest fires occur. “We are deploying personnel and equipment to anticipate land and forest fires, as well as conducting education for the public on the impact of smoke,” said Dedi.
These mitigation steps are being taken in line with BMKG predictions that the 2026 dry season in West Java will arrive earlier with rainfall below normal. This condition has the potential to increase drought risks in various regions, including West Bandung.