Ministry of Public Works Strengthens Preparedness for El Nino Threat in West Java

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Public Works, through the Cimanuk Cisanggarung River Basin Centre (BBWS), is continuing to strengthen mitigation measures to address potential drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon in 2026 in West Java Province.

Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo stated that the government has established an Anticipatory Task Force for El Nino to enhance cross-unit coordination within the ministry.

“To anticipate El Nino, we formed a Task Force. Because the impact is not only on irrigation and drought-stricken rice fields, but also possibly at several points of the drinking water supply system (SPAM) and dams,” Dody said in Jakarta on Monday.

According to Minister Dody, the handling of El Nino must be carried out in an integrated manner because its impact is not only felt by the agricultural sector but can also affect drinking water supply services and the operation of water resource infrastructure.

Various anticipatory measures have been taken early to maintain water supply, guarantee irrigation services, and support national food security during the dry season.

As a preparedness measure, BBWS Cimanuk Cisanggarung is optimising the mitigation system through the Flood and Drought Control Infrastructure Management Unit (UP3BK).

Dody explained that this system integrates monitoring of dam and weir conditions, drought-prone areas, water operation arrangements, a call centre, a Rapid Reaction Team (TRC), and cross-agency coordination so that any potential disruption to water services can be responded to quickly and appropriately.

A total of 290 personnel have been placed on standby during the dry season to ensure all water resource infrastructure remains optimally functional. Intensive daily monitoring is carried out on 9 dams, 33 embung, 23 situ, 25 weirs, and irrigation networks within the working area of BBWS Cimanuk Cisanggarung.

As of 30 June 2026, records show that the 9 dams—namely Jatigede, Cipanas, Darma, Kuningan, Malahayu, Setupatok, Sedong, Bolang, and Rancabeureum—still hold a total storage volume of approximately 1.10 billion m3, sufficient to support irrigation water needs for around 136,254 hectares during the dry season.

Dody stated that water release from the dams is carried out in a measured manner and not arbitrarily. BBWS Cimanuk Cisanggarung adjusts reservoir operation patterns based on storage conditions and field requirements, primarily to guarantee irrigation water supply, raw water provision, hydroelectric power generation (PLTA), and to maintain water reserves during the dry season.

All data regarding water levels, storage volumes, and discharge rates are monitored daily as the basis for water storage operations.