Jakarta Regional Parliament Urges Desalination to Combat Drought

The Chairman of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Suhud Alynudin, has requested the Jakarta Provincial Government to immediately anticipate the threat of drought and the potential crisis of clean water caused by a long dry season. This step is considered urgent, given that the Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has set a warning level regarding drought conditions in the capital.

“It must be anticipated. There was an alert level issued by the BPBD recently. I believe this must be taken seriously,” Suhud stated when met in South Jakarta on Thursday (17/9).

As a long-term solution, Suhud is encouraging the development of desalination technology, which is the process of converting seawater into potable freshwater. He believes this technology is highly relevant for implementation in Jakarta to reduce dependence on conventional water sources.

Suhud cited the Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) region, which already possesses desalination facilities, as an example. He noted that the success in that area should be expanded to other parts of the city as part of Jakarta’s water security strategy.

“In the Thousand Islands, desalination is already in place, converting seawater into clean, fresh water. I believe this should also be attempted elsewhere,” he said.

Based on weather data as of 17 September 2026, weather conditions in the Jakarta area were observed to be sunny with temperatures reaching 32°C. This consistent heat reinforces the urgency of early anticipatory measures to ensure the public water supply remains stable.

Suhud emphasised that strengthening alternative water sources is vital to ensure the basic needs of residents are met when conventional sources, such as reservoirs and rivers, experience reduced flow due to prolonged dry periods.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has ensured that the water availability in Jakarta remains sufficient despite the El Niño phenomenon. The BPBD has placed 29 water tankers on standby.

Governor Pramono Anung explained that Weather Modification Operations (OMC) cannot yet be conducted due to the lack of convective clouds caused by the 2026 El Niño.