Khofifah strengthens drought management across 24 East Java regions
The Governor of East Java, Khofithah Indar Parawansa, stated that the government is conducting simultaneous measures to address the impact of a prolonged dry season affecting 24 regencies and cities through Weather Modification Operations (OMC), well drilling, and clean water distribution.
“This prolonged drought was indeed predicted, and the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) has issued multiple warnings. However, our efforts have been maximal. I say maximal because we have been conducting Weather Modification Operations since 3 September,” she said in a statement received in Surabaya on Saturday.
Khofifah noted that drought management was initiated following predictions and warnings from the BMKG regarding the dry season conditions. According to her, one of the government’s primary efforts has been the OMC since 3 September 2024 to trigger rainfall in areas with potential cloud cover.
“Whenever the BMKG informs us that clouds are moving, we immediately follow up by seeding them with salt. This has resulted in light to moderate rainfall,” she said.
In addition to the OMC, the East Java Provincial Government, alongside local governments, is conducting drilling at various sites to locate new water sources for communities affected by the drought. “The affected area is vast, spanning 24 regencies and cities. Within these 24 regions, well-drilling anticipatory measures have been implemented. Some have been successful, while others are still in progress,” Khofifah added.
She further stated that the distribution of clean water continues to be carried out to meet the basic needs of residents in areas facing water scarcity. “Our efforts are being carried out collectively. We have implemented all necessary measures,” she emphasised.
Khofifah noted that the scale of the affected area requires simultaneous actions, ranging from meeting immediate water needs to searching for new water sources. Beyond emergency handling, the East Java Provincial Government is preparing long-term steps to strengthen water resilience through the mapping of potential water sources, the search for new water supplies, the strengthening of water supply infrastructure, and the protection of existing water sources.
“When the community needs water, we must provide immediate assistance. However, at the same time, we must continue to seek long-term solutions. Potential water sources need to be mapped, studied, and, if possible, developed to meet public needs,” she said.
According to Khofifah, the diverse geographical conditions and characteristics of East Java require drought management tailored to each specific region. “We must not only act when a drought has already occurred. We must build preparedness, map water sources, maintain existing ones, and prepare steps so that the community has better water resilience,” she said.
She urged the public to protect the environment, catchment areas, and water sources as part of the effort to strengthen water security in East Java. “Protecting water sources today is part of protecting our lives in the future. Therefore, let us work together to preserve the environment, catchment areas, and water sources, and use water wisely,” she said.
Amidst these various efforts, Khofifah, alongside the Regent of Mojokerto, Muhammad Al Barra, and hundreds of residents, participated in the Istisqa prayer and collective prayer at the Mojokerto Regency Pendopo courtyard on Friday (18/9). Khofifah stated that this activity serves as a spiritual effort following the technical steps taken by the government.