Anticipating Prolonged Dry Season, East Java Provincial Government Prepares 3,800 Boreholes Until 2026

The East Java Provincial Government has operated more than 2,000 boreholes over the past two years, with an additional 1,800 units to be built this year to anticipate the prolonged dry season in 2026.

“Boreholes are a serious concern for the East Java Provincial Government; this year alone, 1,800 borehole units will be constructed,” said Deputy Governor of East Java Emil Elestianto Dardak in Surabaya on Tuesday (7/4).

In addition to boreholes, to anticipate future drought, dams will also be maximised. Dams in several regions such as Ponorogo, Pacitan, Trenggalek, Nganjuk, and Bojonegoro will be optimised as reserve water reservoirs.

“Drought vulnerability is predicted to be widespread in food barn areas, from Banyuwangi in the eastern tip, the Pantura region, to the Mataraman areas like Ngawi and Madiun,” he stated.

In addition to water availability, the threat of forest and land fires (karhutla) is also a serious concern. In this regard, Emil emphasised the importance of rapid response and firm law enforcement against illegal activities in forest areas.

“The most effective mitigation step is early ground extinguishing before the fire spreads to hard-to-reach slopes,” he explained.

The East Java Provincial Government is giving special attention to several areas that serve as food barns during the dry season in efforts to mitigate the impacts of drought.

There are five regions that are the focus for anticipating drought and maintaining food production. Banyuwangi Regency, Lamongan, Ngawi, Ponorogo to Madiun.

“Relatively all have vulnerability points to dryness. There are spots with vulnerabilities. Certainly, the rice barns will also be affected and it will be widespread,” said Emil.

However, Emil stated that almost all regions have the same potential drought impact. Based on the BMKG forecast, the dry season will begin to hit the East Java region in April and all areas will feel the peak in August.

“It is relatively widespread and all have drought vulnerabilities. It’s just a matter of timing; some will start feeling it in June, but simultaneously it will occur in August,” he said.