Drought Emergency Alert Status Extended in DIY

The DIY Provincial Government has officially extended the drought emergency alert status across all areas of DIY until the end of November 2026. Previously, this emergency status was in effect from 20 July to 30 September 2026, under Governor’s Decree Number 248 of 2026.

“Yes, it has been extended until the end of November for the drought emergency alert,” stated the Head of the DIY Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Agustinus Ruruh Haryata, when contacted by journalists on Wednesday (30/09/2026).

This policy refers to a press release from the BMKG, which stated that the entire DIY region is still entering the dry season with rainfall in the below-normal category, accompanied by the potential for a moderate to strong El Niño phenomenon lasting until December 2026.

These conditions pose a potential increase in drought risks, disruptions to the agricultural sector, forest and land fires (karhutla), and public health issues. Ruruh also detailed several areas experiencing the most severe drought levels in DIY.

“In Gunungkidul, it is specifically in Tepus and Rongkop, and now Girisubo is following. In Bantul, it is in Dlingo and Imogiri, specifically the area near Parangtrich that is rising,” Ruruh explained.

“In Kulon Progo, it is in Girimulyo; we have just returned from Girimulyo to check the water treatment and the water dropping from the Police Regional Office,” he added.

Regarding drought management measures, Rurus ensured that the affected areas have so far been well-accommodated with clean water distribution.

“In October, the local governments in drought-affected areas that require water dropping can still be well-served. In fact, in places like Gunungkidul, there is already an Unforeseen Expenditure (BTT) budget allocated for additional support,” said Ruruh.

Ruruh added that backup budgets for clean water distribution have also been prepared.

“We are ready; in the October budget revision, we have also communicated that we are prepared to provide backup,” he said.

“In addition to the aid budget from civil servants (ASN) and KORPRI which we have passed on to the regencies to provide backup, we are also being assisted by CSR from several companies, so the situation remains secure,” he concluded.