Drought in Central Java: 148 Villages Affected, 6.8 Million Litres of Water Distributed
The Central Java Provincial Government (Pemprov Jateng) has accelerated its response to the dry season by distributing 6.8 million litres of clean water to 25 regencies and cities affected by drought. The move is intended to ensure that residents’ basic needs continue to be met amid extreme weather conditions.
As of 24 July 2026, the aid had reached 61,139 families, or approximately 184,643 individuals. Head of the Central Java Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan, stated that the drought-affected areas currently span 83 districts and 148 villages. In addition, 11 regencies and cities have declared a drought emergency alert status.
“The total distributed or deployed as of 24 July 2026 is 6.8 million litres of clean water,” Bergas said while reporting the situation to Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi on Monday (27 July 2026).
Of that total, 4,853,800 litres came from the Central Java provincial budget (APBD) and regency and city governments, whilst a further 1,951,500 litres were contributed through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), the TNI-Polri, and various related agencies. Klaten, Pemalang and Banjarnegara recorded the largest volumes of clean water distribution.
Although distribution is ongoing, Bergas stressed that clean water stocks remain sufficient. Of the 44.9 million litres prepared through the provincial budget, around 40 million litres remain in reserve.
“What needs attention is the rhythm of distribution. In terms of water availability and budget, supplies are still sufficient,” he added.
Beyond the drought, BPBD has also warned of a surge in fire incidents. Between 5 June and 19 July 2026, 275 fires were recorded, comprising 56 forest and land fires (karhutla) and 219 building and house fires. Material losses from forest and land fires reached Rp607 million, whilst building fires caused losses of up to Rp27 billion.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi affirmed that mitigation of the drought’s impact had been prepared early. He instructed all regional heads to map vulnerable areas precisely so that aid distribution is properly targeted.
“The key point is that clean water supplies are still sufficient; it is simply a matter of distribution,” Luthfi stressed.
In addition to domestic needs, the government is prioritising water supplies for the agricultural sector to safeguard Central Java’s 2026 rice production target. Luthfi revealed that his request for water pump assistance to the Agriculture Minister has been approved.
“Yesterday I submitted a request to the Agriculture Minister for water pump assistance. It has been approved; it now just needs to be followed up by the Agriculture and Livestock Service so the pumps can be sent promptly to the areas that need them,” he concluded.