Cipancuh Reservoir Dries Up Due to Drought, Locals Flock to Harvest Fish

The dry season hitting Indramayu Regency has caused the water level of the Cipancuh Reservoir in Situraja Village, Gantar District, to recede drastically. This condition has been exploited by hundreds of residents to catch fish and prawns trapped in the remaining puddles. The reservoir, which spans approximately 700 hectares, now only leaves a number of small puddles on its base. From morning until evening, residents arrive carrying scoop nets, fishing nets, and various other catching tools to hunt for fish and prawns. This phenomenon, which occurs every dry season, is a blessing for some residents. Besides being consumed personally, the catch is also sold, although at prices lower than the market rate. One resident, Muji, said the drying up of the Cipancuh Reservoir routinely occurs during the dry season, making fish and prawns easier to catch. Muji stated that most of his catch is consumed with his family, as selling it is difficult due to the abundance of fish and prawns obtained by other residents. He explained that if there are buyers, the price offered is much lower. Fish usually sold for around Rp25,000 per kilogram at the market is only valued at around Rp10,000 to Rp15,000 per kilogram. The activity of residents catching fish on the reservoir bed also attracted the attention of other people who came to witness the phenomenon. Visitor Yanto (37) said he deliberately came with his wife and child to see the drying condition of the Cipancuh Reservoir and to capture the moment. On the other hand, the receding water level of the Cipancuh Reservoir has raised concerns over the availability of irrigation water. The reservoir has been a water source for agricultural land in the Gantar, Haurgeulis, Kroya, and Anjatan districts.