List of Regions in Central Java at Risk of Drought Due to El Nino

The Head of the Central Java Provincial Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan, has revealed that several regions in Central Java are at risk of experiencing drought due to the El Nino phenomenon. He stated that anticipation and mitigation measures have been prepared, particularly regarding the supply of clean water assistance. Bergas noted that in 2019 and 2023, several areas in Central Java suffered drought as a result of El Nino’s impact. He predicts that those regions could face similar issues if El Nino strikes this year. “The locations are similar, meaning that Central Java’s eastern part is definitely affected, such as Grobogan, Blora, Rembang, Sragen, and then Klaten. In the northern coast area, there’s Pemalang. Wonogiri is also included,” said Bergas during an interview on Friday (17/4/2026). He added that the Central Java BPBD, together with district/city BPBDs, has mapped the areas at risk of drought. “There are several locations that tend to be in high elevations. So, water sources are estimated to be unavailable or difficult to access,” he said. Bergas estimated that regions with such topography will be the primary targets for clean water aid distribution. “For other preparations, we are certainly improving our transportation fleet, namely the water tankers we have, although not all of them yet, to bring them closer to the districts/cities that may be affected,” he stated. He revealed that in areas that still have water sources, they have been advised to dig new wells. “For those that do not (have water sources), the mainstay remains temporary clean water dropping. Although we are asking for efforts to save water for the community by utilising the facilities already provided by BNPB,” said Bergas. According to Bergas, BNPB has previously provided 5,000-litre water tanks to 35 districts/cities in Central Java. “My hope is that the community can utilise them as storage places,” he said. He explained that based on BMKG’s forecast, this year’s El Nino phenomenon will be more widespread and longer-lasting. “It will start from eastern Indonesia, then move to central Indonesia, and finally to western Indonesia, including Java island,” said Bergas.