Central Java BPBD Distributes 3 Million Litres of Clean Water as Drought Expands

The Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has distributed 3 million litres of clean water to drought-affected areas across the province. The aid has been spread across 15 regencies and cities. BPBD Central Java Head Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan stated that the distribution of 3 million litres has been recorded since 5 June 2026. The three areas receiving the most aid are Klaten, Pemalang, and Banjarnegara. Distribution to Klaten has reached approximately 1.3 million litres, while Pemalang has received around 600,000 litres and Banjarnegara about 200,000 litres. Bergas explained that Klaten is the largest recipient because it is one of the most severely affected areas, being located in a mountainous region with no water sources. As of now, the number of beneficiaries in Central Java has reached 21,949 families, or 61,456 individuals, and the figure is trending upwards. The water aid is distributed using tanker trucks and stored in reservoirs upon arrival. Bergas revealed that the agency had initially prepared 123 million litres of clean water to anticipate the drought. However, due to rising fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East, the agency had to adjust its operational budget, reducing the total available water aid to between 44 and 46 million litres. Previously, BPBD Central Java released data showing that 14 regencies and cities have declared a drought emergency alert status, including Salatiga, Tegal, Sukoharjo, Temanggung, Brebes, Sragen, Grobogan, Demak, Purbalingga, Pemalang, Kendal, Semarang Regency, Wonosobo, and Banjarnegara.