List of Regions in DIY Experiencing Clean Water Crisis
The dry season has led to a reduction in the clean water supply in several areas of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). The DIY Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) stated that all regencies within the province have reported experiencing a clean water crisis.
The Head of Emergency Handling at BPBD DIY, R. Tito Asung Kumoro Wicaksono, revealed that the water crisis points are currently sporadic, occurring only in specific locations. Initial handling remains the full authority of the respective regency/city governments. “The water crisis is still occurring in specific spots. The regencies hold the authority over their territories. Our concept at the provincial level is to act as support, while the regencies are the primary operational responders,” Tito explained on Thursday (30/07/2026).
Four regions are currently facing clean water shortages. Tito added that reports of water crises have been received from Gunungkidul, Bantul, Sleman, and Kulon Progo. Meanwhile, Yogyakarta City has not reported any crisis as the community’s needs are still supported by the regional water utility (PDAM) network.
Regarding the impact on agriculture and the threat of crop failure, Tito noted that no reports have been received yet. “So far, the agricultural sector has not reported anything to the Provincial BPBD or the Regency BPBD. They should report these issues, as these reports serve as the basis for accessing emergency funds,” he said.
Weather Modification
Tito stated that the emergency alert status for hydrometeorological drought disasters in DIY is currently in effect until 3_0 September 2026. However, this status may be extended depending on weather developments. “Before 30 September, we will review the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency) release. That will be the basis for whether the status is extended or not,” he said.
BPBD continues to coordinate with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and BMKG to address the drought. According to Tito, weather modification operations cannot be conducted without the presence of rain clouds. “Colleagues from BNPB and BMKG indicated during coordination meetings that potential rain clouds for weather modification operations might only appear in November. We cannot perform weather modification if there are no rain cloud seeds; it is impossible to operate if there are no clouds during the dry season.”
In addition to preparing weather modification options, BPBD DIY is drafting handling measures in case the impact of the drought expands. This includes preparing a Cost Requirement Plan (RKB) to support the affected regencies. “Over the next 10 to 14 days, we will conduct monitoring and evaluation (Monev) to gather information from regencies and cities regarding the extent of the impact. This will allow us to plan the reallocation of Unforeseen Expenditures (BTT) to support the drought-affected areas.”
Three regencies in DIY have already declared an emergency alert status for drought: Bantul, Gunungkidul, and Slelen. Kulon Progo is currently in the process of issuing its official emergency alert decree.