Central Java Distributes Over 3 Million Litres of Clean Water Amid Drought
The Central Java Provincial Government has implemented a series of measures to tackle the drought during the 2026 dry season, including the distribution of clean water aid. Between 5 June and 14 July 2026, a total of 3,258,000 litres of clean water were delivered via 660 tankers to 30,378 households, covering approximately 81,297 individuals across 15 regencies: Cilacap, Banyumas, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara, Purworejo, Magelang, Boyolali, Klaten, Sukoharjo, Sragen, Grobogan, Jepara, Demak, Semarang, and Pemalang.
Governor of Central Java Ahmad Luthfi stated that the provincial government, together with regents and mayors, has mapped areas prone to water shortages. He made the remarks after attending the 27th anniversary celebration of the Police Wives Association (PP Polri) Batang branch on Saturday (11/7). ‘The regents and mayors have completed the mapping. The drought-affected areas have been identified,’ Luthfi said.
According to data from the Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), more than a dozen regencies and cities have declared alert status, including Sukoharjo, Demak, Temanggung, Brebes, Kendal, Sragen, Banjarnegara, Purbalingga, Grobogan, Semarang, Pemalang, Wonosobo, Purworejo, Wonogiri, Salatiga City, and Tegal City. Luthfi explained that the mapping data will be followed up with relevant agencies, and the response will be tailored to the characteristics and needs of each region. ‘In principle, the regents and mayors already have the data. We just need to execute the activities,’ he said.
In addition to clean water distribution, the provincial government is conducting corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in collaboration with local administrations, BPJS Kesehatan, the Serayu Opak River Basin Agency, and the regional-owned enterprise Tirta Satria. This spirit of mutual cooperation is considered a key strength for Central Java in facing disasters. On 9 June 2026, the provincial government also issued a Governor’s Circular on the Anticipation of Drought and Forest and Land Fires. The circular serves as a guideline to strengthen coordination and enhance the preparedness of all local governments in facing potential disasters during the dry season.
Luthfi added that technical discussions on drought management are ongoing between the provincial and district/city governments. With the mapping already available, he urged all regions to immediately prepare operational measures to ensure the public retains access to clean water throughout the dry season. Beyond emergency response through water distribution, the provincial government is also reinforcing medium- and long-term measures, including the maintenance of communal boreholes, strengthening clean water supply infrastructure, improving logistics management, conserving water resources, and educating the public to use water wisely during the dry season.