Bojonggambir and Cineam Subdistricts in Tasikmalaya Threatened by Clean Water Crisis

A prolonged dry season over recent months has caused clean water supplies for residents in Cineam and Bojonggambir subdistricts, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, to dwindle. The drought has forced residents in Mekarjaya and Margamulya villages, Cineam, to fetch water from old wells and Mount Cigalagah. Ambu Apong, 60, a Margamulya resident, said the current dry season has caused many wells to shrink, with some families relying on old wells and Mount Cigalagah. The drought has persisted for two months without rain, making it increasingly difficult for the community to access clean water. “The dry season has forced her family to buy refillable gallons priced at Rp10,000 each for drinking and cooking, using up four gallons every week. Clean water conditions in her area are under threat as well water recedes, with several households using old wells and seeking water from Mount Cigalagah,” Ambu Apong said on Monday (22/6/2026). According to Ambu, some families in Mekarjaya and Margamulya villages have long struggled with clean water access, as wells 20 to 25 metres deep have begun to shrink and others have dried up. For their clean water needs, some residents only use their neighbours’ wells, while others collect water from Mount Cigalagah. “Water from Mount Cigalagah is still flowing, albeit in small quantities, and residents’ wells are partially shrinking during the dry season. However, residents of Mekarjaya and Margamulya must return to the land movement site because clean water is still available there,” she said. Meanwhile, Bojongkapol Village Head Nanang Rohmansyah stated that the current prolonged dry season is threatening his residents with a clean water crisis, as several wells have already begun to shrink. He warned that the drought will spread further if no rain falls within a month, making it difficult for residents to find clean water. “Clean water is still available in some residents’ wells, though not at maximum capacity. If there is no rain for a full month, a water crisis is likely because the location is in a highland area. Residents threatened by a water crisis are in Pedangkamulyan, Girimukti, Kertanegla, Bojongkapol, Cempakasari, and Wandasari villages in Bojonggambir Subdistrict,” he concluded.