Dry Season Approaches, PJT II Ensures Water Supply for Farmers Remains Steady
Purwakarta — Ahead of the dry season, which is projected to begin in May 2026, Perum Jasa Tirta II (PJT II) has ensured full preparedness in maintaining the reliability of irrigation water distribution services. This initiative began with an inventory of various challenges across several operational units, ranging from sedimentation issues and disruptions to supply systems to potential damage to weirs, allowing for immediate repairs and preventive measures.
These efforts are a vital part of ensuring the availability and smooth distribution of irrigation water during the dry season, as water is the primary factor in maintaining agricultural productivity and supporting national food security, in line with the Government’s Asta Cita programme.
The President Director of PJT II, Imam Santoso, emphasised the company’s commitment to maintaining the reliability of the water supply for the Jatiluhur Irrigation Area, which covers approximately 503,713.80 hectares. According to him, the water availability in the Ir. H. Djuanda Reservoir is guaranteed to be sufficient until the end of 2026.
“We are continuously conducting intensive hydrological monitoring, managing water distribution in a measured manner, and preparing various anticipatory steps to face potential droughts in several service areas. As a water resource management company, drought management is one of our operational priorities, which we address through early preventive measures,” he stated.
On the ground, various mitigation steps have been implemented, including the operational regulation of sluice gates in affected secondary channels and the application of a rotational water distribution pattern to ensure equitable service for farmers. These efforts are bolstered by the optimisation of water resource infrastructure, including increasing pump readiness and clearing weeds and debris from irrigation channels to ensure water flow remains smooth and efficient.
“This approach is also part of the company’s strategy to maintain the smoothness of irrigation services while minimising the potential for water usage conflicts during the dry season through adaptive and responsive water management to field dynamics,” he added.
In addition to strengthening operational aspects, PJT II is also increasing coordination and communication with farmers within the irrigation service areas through synergy with Local Governments, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Citarum River Basin Organisation (BBWS Citarum), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), and various other stakeholders.
Through routine coordination at the field level, the company ensures that information regarding water distribution schedules, rotational patterns, and water discharge conditions is well-received by farmers, allowing agricultural water needs to be managed more planned and effectively.
Ensuring the sustainability of the water supply for the agricultural sector remains the company’s top priority. Consequently, PJT II continues to ensure that water distribution is optimal, measured, and equitable so that the needs of farmers are met amidst the challenges of the 2026 dry season.