Over 20,000 People in Banyumas Facing Clean Water Crisis

The impact of the dry season is being felt by residents in Banyumas, Central Java. The Banyumas Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has recorded that more than 20,000 citizens are currently experiencing a clean water crisis due to widespread drought across several areas.

Based on data from the Drought, Forest, and Land Fire Emergency Command Post as of 2 August 2026, the drought has affected 27 villages and sub-districts across 13 districts. The Head of BPBD Banyumas, Dwi Irawan Sukma, stated that 6,416 families, or 20,835 individuals, are affected. In addition to residential areas, at least seven public facilities are experiencing disruptions due to the limited supply of clean water.

To meet the community’s needs, BPBD Banyumas continues to distribute clean water to affected areas. By early August, 147 trips using water tankers have been completed, distributing a total of 708,000 litres of clean water. The agency’s teams remain active on the ground to ensure basic needs are met.

In addition to the drought, the dry season has increased the potential for forest and land fires. The BPBD has recorded at least 9.3 hectares of land burnt across five different locations, including Grendeng, Pamijen, Karangtalun Kidul, Teluk, and Sawangan.

Addressing the impacts of both drought and fires is being done collaboratively with various parties. BPBD is receiving support from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Dompet Dhuafa, the Tirta Satria Regional Water Company (Perumda Air Minum), and numerous volunteers.

Authorities have urged the public to use water wisely during the dry season and to avoid land-clearing activities involving fire, as the current vegetation is extremely dry and highly flammable. To ensure water availability, the government will accelerate distribution through coordination between BPBD, the Regional Water Company, the River Basin Organisation (BBWS), and the PMI.