Anticipating Prolonged Drought, Bekasi BPBD Urges Upstream Dam Construction

To anticipate recurring water crises every dry season, the Bekasi Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is pushing for long-term solutions through the construction of dams and water storage facilities in upstream areas. This effort is being undertaken in collaboration with the Citarum River Basin Organisation (BBWS Citarum) and the Ciliwung-Cisadane River Basin Organisation (BBWS Ciliwung-Cisadane).

Currently, the disaster status of Bekasi Regency remains at the emergency alert level, considering the ongoing developments in the field. The Head of Emergency and Logistics at Bekasi BPBD, Dodi Supriante, emphasised the importance of rainwater harvesting infrastructure to ensure water supply availability when the dry season arrives.

“We hope the construction of dams in the upstream areas is completed promptly so that rainwater can be captured during the rainy season and utilised during the dry season,” said Dodi on Friday.

In addition to preparing long-term solutions, the BPBD is calling for public awareness regarding daily water usage. Dodi urged the community to conserve water and report shortages through village governments so that the distribution of aid can be scheduled immediately.

“We invite the community to use water sparingly. If there are areas experiencing clean water shortages, please report them through the village government so that aid distribution can be scheduled promptly and equitably,” he added.

Currently, approximately 2,592 hectares of rice fields in Bekasi Regency are affected by drought. The Bekasi Regency Government is preparing emergency irrigation pumps and agricultural insurance for farmers.