Kudus Regency Declared Safe Zone Amid Drought Threat in Central Java

Kudus Regency has been declared a safe zone amid the threat of drought that is beginning to affect a number of areas in Central Java. The issue faced by this region on the north coast of Central Java is not a scarcity of resources, but rather the management of clean water distribution.

Based on monitoring on Sunday (28/6), the impact of the dry season in Central Java is already being felt by tens of thousands of residents. Several areas have even implemented a drought emergency status, including Sukoharjo, Demak, Grobogan, Temanggung, Brebes, Kendal, Sragen, Tegal City, and Salatiga City.

Data from the Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded that 16,258 people, or around 4,808 families, in six areas—namely Klaten, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara, Cilacap, Jepara, and Purworejo Regencies—have begun experiencing clean water shortages. As a response measure, 654,000 litres of water aid have been distributed to affected villages.

However, a different situation is evident in Kudus Regency. The availability of clean water in this area is considered sufficient to meet the community’s needs until the dry season ends. “Kudus is not in the drought red zone,” stressed the Head of Central Java BPBD, Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan.

Bergas explained that several villages in Kudus which were previously prone to drought, such as Sidorekso Village in Kaliwungu District, have now experienced significant improvement. The village is currently even capable of supplying clean water to surrounding areas.

Despite being in a safe zone, anticipatory measures are still being taken. The Kudus Regency Government, supported by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes from various parties, has prepared around 240,000 litres of clean water ready to be distributed should a shortage occur at the village level.

Bergas emphasised that the main challenge in Kudus at present is the technical aspect of distribution. “The problem in Kudus is not a shortage of clean water due to the dry season, but rather distribution management,” he added.

He noted that even if some areas experience a shortage, it does not mean the raw water source is unavailable. The primary focus must be on distributing water from source locations to the points of need. Therefore, the Kudus BPBD is expected to remain alert in responding to any requests for clean water drops from residents.