Central Java Mitigates 2026 Dry Season: 123 Million Litres of Clean Water Prepared

The Central Java Provincial Government is undertaking mitigation efforts to face the threat of a dry season predicted to last for the next seven months. As an anticipatory measure against the impact of the El Niño Godzilla phenomenon, 123 million litres of clean water have been prepared for distribution to affected areas.

The Head of the Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan, stated that the characteristics of the 2026 dry season are predicted to be hotter than those experienced in 2023. Mapping of drought-prone points has been carried out across 18 districts and cities.

Based on data from the Central Java BMKG Climatology Station, approximately 12.9 percent of the region began entering the early dry season in June. The impact of the drought is already being felt in Kedungmalang Village, Kedung District, Jepara Regency, where 870 families have reported difficulties in obtaining clean water. The Jepara BPBD has responded swiftly by distributing 10,000 litres of water using tanker trucks.

‘Several areas have already begun experiencing drought and have requested assistance. We immediately sent clean water to the affected villages,’ said Bagus Ari Wibowo, Head of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction at the Jepara BPBD, on Thursday (11/6).

In addition to provincial-level efforts, city and district governments are also preparing resources. The public across Central Java is urged to conserve clean water and remain vigilant against the potential for land fires during this extended dry period.