Drought Forces Gunungkidul Residents to Trek 2 Kilometres Five Times Daily for Water
Residents in the hills of Duwet Hamlet, Purwodadi Village, Tepus District, Gunungkidul Regency, are relying on the Kali Wonosari spring as their primary water source during the prolonged dry season. Although the water is murky, the spring serves as a vital lifeline for the community whenever drought strikes.
The location becomes crowded with villagers carrying jerry cans and used mineral water gallons to collect water and carry it home, a traditional activity known locally as ‘ngangsu banyu’. Near the spring, there are two roofless concrete cubicles where residents must draw water for bathing. Despite the turbid quality, the spring is considered an oasis amid the drought, with people willing to queue for their turn. Some have modified their motorcycles to transport multiple jerry cans, while others carry gallons on their backs wrapped in jarik, a traditional long batik cloth.
Wiwin, a 30-year-old resident, has been making the 2-kilometre round trip from her home to the spring up to five times daily since May 2026, typically starting at 5 a.m. She carries the water for cooking and household needs. Another villager, Wahyu, 34, also depends on the spring for his family’s water supply, transporting two 30-litre jerry cans on a modified motorcycle. He noted that ‘ngangsu banyu’ is only necessary during the dry season, as rainwater harvesting systems in most homes suffice during the rainy months.
Most villages in Tepus District are feeling the impact of the drought, with residents utilising remaining springs before they dry up completely. The regional water utility (PDAM) network has yet to reach all settlements, prompting some residents to purchase clean water from tanker truck providers. The Gunungkidul Regency Government, through its Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), is working to address the drought. BPBD Head Purwono stated that 636,000 litres of clean water have been distributed to affected areas, with Tepus being the worst-hit district, followed by Rongkop. In Tepus alone, 40 tanks of clean water have been delivered, and the agency is awaiting further requests for additional distribution.