Public Works Ministry Operates 3 Pumps to Combat Rice Field Drought in Bekasi
The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works (PU), through the Citarum River Basin Organisation (BBWS Citarum), is operating three pump units. This measure aims to assist in overcoming limited water supplies for rice fields in Karangharpland Village, Pebayuran District, Bekasi Regency, West Java.
Water from the Kiwing Spring is being diverted through three hose lines to the rice fields requiring supply to support planting activities.
Approximately 600 hectares of rice fields in the area are experiencing water scarcity. The pumping operation is being carried out to help meet the water requirements of the affected land, enabling farmers to return to cultivating their fields and continue the planting season.
This handling follows instructions from Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo after discovering drought conditions in the field that did not align with the reports he had received. Minister Dody requested that the Directorate General of Water Resources (DJSDA) and BBWS Citarum immediately address agricultural water needs and ensure that reports reflect actual conditions.
“I want to ensure that the reports submitted by my colleagues in water resources truly match the conditions on the ground. From the reports, everything looked fine, but when I went down personally, there were still points of drought,” Dody stated in a written statement on Monday (28/09/2026).
“Since the beginning of the year, I have reminded everyone to maintain water availability for rice fields,” he added.
Acting Head of BBWS Citarum, Abdul Ghoni Majdi, stated that the operation of the pumps is a remedial step to assist farmers facing difficulties in obtaining water.
“Drought management must be carried out quickly and concretely,” said Abdul.
Efforts to accelerate water extraction, in addition to using the Kuwing River, also involve taking water from the Citarum River by preparing a mobile pump with a capacity of 500 lps. This is further strengthened by assistance from BBWS Cilicis, providing 2 mobile pump units with a capacity of 80 lps to help accelerate the flow of water from the Citarum River to the affected rice fields.
BBWS Citarum will continue to monitor field conditions and take necessary steps to support agricultural water needs. Management is being conducted through coordination with local governments and water resource management officials.
In addition to operating the pumps, BBWS Citarum has opened a Drought Disaster Service and Post. The community can utilise this service to report droughts, water needs, and issues regarding water resource infrastructure within the BBWS Citarum working area.