Cirebon Regency Imposes Drought Emergency Alert Status Until September
The Cirebon Regency administration in West Java has imposed a drought emergency alert status from 1 July to 30 September 2026 as an effort to strengthen preparedness for the impacts of the dry season in the region.
Samsul Huda, Executive Secretary of the Cirebon Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), stated on Friday that the imposition of the alert status refers to the decision of the West Java Governor and serves as a basis for the local government to accelerate mitigation measures.
“This alert status is imposed so that all regional apparatus have a basis to move more quickly in anticipating and handling the impacts of drought,” he said.
He explained that the local government has prepared a series of anticipatory measures, ranging from mapping vulnerable areas and preparing clean water distribution fleets to operating a Drought Emergency Command Post during the alert period.
“The provision of clean water sources through the construction of boreholes continues as part of efforts to reduce the impact of drought,” he said.
According to Samsul, the dry season has the potential to cause a reduction in clean water supply, increase the risk of forest and land fires, and disrupt the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors.
BPBD has mapped several sub-districts with potential drought impacts, namely Gempol, Mundu, Sedong, Greged, Beber, Gunungjati, Kapetakan, Suranenggala, Klangenan, Panguragan, Waled, Karangsembung, Gegesik, and Tengah Tani.
“We continue to enhance preparedness even though no villages were affected last year, so that handling can be carried out more quickly if needed,” he said.
In addition to strengthening preparedness, BPBD is also intensifying public education on water conservation, prevention of land fires, and early reporting in the event of an emergency.
“We hope that the imposition of this drought emergency alert status can minimise the impacts of the dry season so that the community’s clean water needs remain fulfilled and potential losses due to drought can be reduced,” said Samsul Huda.