Bantul Regency Extends Drought Emergency Alert Until Year-End

Bantul Regency Government has extended its drought emergency alert until the end of this year. The extension follows an earlier alert that was in force from June to September.

“Correct, the regent has signed a decree extending the drought emergency alert until 31 December 2026,” said Ribut Bimo Haryo Tejo, secretary of the Bantul Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), when contacted by reporters on Sunday (11 October 2026).

Ribut said the decree is set out in Regent’s Decree No. 434 of 2026. The extended alert enables the BPBD to apply for an unforeseen expenditure budget (BTT).

“If the drought spreads, additional funding will be needed and we can access the BTT. But so far, the budget for water deliveries is sufficient,” he said.

Ribut said the BPBD was continuing to deliver clean water to several drought-affected areas, particularly on the outskirts of Bantul.

“Water deliveries are made every day by both the BPBD and private parties, including to Dlingo, Imogiri and one or two locations in Pajangan,” he said.

He estimated that water deliveries would continue until early 2027. This is a precaution in case the first rains are not enough to replenish residents’ wells.

“That is how it tends to happen: rain has fallen, but the water in wells is absorbed into the ground. So water deliveries are still needed at the start of the rainy season,” he said.