Central Java government pursues weather modification to tackle drought in 14 regions

Weather modification is one of the efforts to reduce the impact of prolonged drought, with the hope of alleviating the extended dry spell this year.

The Central Java Provincial Government is pursuing weather modification to address the impact of prolonged drought that has affected 14 regions in the province.

Deputy Governor Taj Yasin said in Batang on Tuesday that his administration has prepared a number of measures to face the threat of drought, which is expected to continue until September 2026.

“Weather modification is one of the efforts to reduce the impact of prolonged drought, with the hope of alleviating the extended dry spell this year,” he said.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Central Java Climatology Station has placed 14 regions under meteorological drought alert status for the period of 21–31 August 2026.

BMKG also forecasts that all areas of Central Java still have the potential to experience low rainfall until the end of September 2026, with early September mapped as the driest phase.

Deputy Governor Taj Yasin said the drought warning should also serve as a momentum to improve long-term water management. One way is by ensuring that development still provides space for water to seep into the ground.

He also highlighted that residential development has used too much concrete, thereby reducing water absorption areas.

The Central Java Provincial Government, through the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), has placed tanker truck fleets on standby to distribute clean water to the public.

“Coordination is also being carried out with district and city governments, especially to ensure the availability of water suitable for consumption for residents in affected areas,” said Deputy Governor Taj Yasin.