Drought Affects 16,258 Residents Across Six Regions in Central Java

The dry season in Central Java has resulted in 16,258 individuals (4,808 families) across six regions beginning to suffer from drought and a lack of clean water.

To address the drought currently being experienced by residents, the Central Java Provincial Government, through the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), has begun distributing 654,000 litres of clean water to the affected villages.

“We are forced to purchase clean water collectively to meet our consumption needs, as our well water has already dried up,” said Sukamto, a resident of Cepogo Village, Kembang District, Jepara Regency.

Similarly, Asidah, a resident of Gemuruh Village, Banjarnegara, expressed that the dry season has also led to a shortage of clean water, forcing her to purchase water from mobile vendors.

“Every day, we have to spend up to Rp16,000 on water for cooking and drinking, as wells are dry and rivers are murky,” she added.

The Head of the Central Java BPBD, Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan, confirmed that drought is beginning to affect dozens of villages.

According to Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan, clean water assistance has been distributed, with Klaten Regency receiving the largest share of 553,000 litres, followed by Purbalingga with 30,000 litres, Banjarnegara with 26,000 litres, Cilacap with 20,000 litres, Jepara with 20,000 litres, and Purworejo with 5,000 litres.

According to Bergas, the drought in Central Java is not limited to these six regencies. Other areas, including Sukoharjo, Demak, Temanggung, Brebes, Kendal, Sragen, Tegal City, and Salatiga City, have declared alert status due to the prolonged dry season.

The threat of drought in Central Java also extends to 18 regions, including Demak, Kudus, Pati, Rembang, Blora, Grobogan, Sragen, Brebes, Tegal, Pemalang, Boyolali, Semarang Regency, Cilacap, Purbalingga, Purworejo, Klaten, Jepara, and Banjarnegara.

“We will ensure that clean water distribution services continue to operate at maximum capacity amidst issues regarding rising fuel prices, especially since the dry season is expected to persist until this coming September,” said Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan.