Regent Jeje's Strategy to Tackle Clean Water Crisis During Dry Season

West Bandung Regent Jeje Ritchie Ismail stated that 48 boreholes are currently under construction. The drilling is being carried out to ensure the community continues to receive clean water services during the dry season, which is predicted to last slightly longer due to this year’s El Niño phenomenon. The dozens of boreholes being built are located in villages that are in dire need and frequently experience clean water crises during the dry season. The placement is based on thorough mapping. “We are accelerating the construction of water sources through borehole drilling or SPAM (drinking water management systems) at 48 points spread across various villages, accompanied by the provision of water tanks to optimise water distribution to the community,” Jeje said on Sunday (26/7/2026).

Furthermore, the West Bandung Regency Government, through relevant regional apparatus organisations (OPD), has also readied a clean water distribution fleet consisting of three tanker trucks from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), two units from the Housing and Settlement Agency, and one unit from the Fire Department to meet the needs of affected residents. Another measure is the opening of an emergency clean water distribution service. Residents experiencing difficulties in obtaining clean water can report via the village or sub-district government, or directly contact the BPBD Call Center via WhatsApp at 0877-1661-2121 for immediate follow-up. “The West Bandung Regency Government will continue to monitor conditions on the ground and ensure that every affected resident receives swift and appropriate handling,” Jeje added.

Previously, the West Bandung Regency Government declared a Drought and Forest and Land Fire (Karhutla) Emergency Alert Status effective from 1 July to 30 September 2026. This status was established as a form of government preparedness to face the risks posed during the dry season. “This step was taken as a form of preparedness to face the threat of drought while anticipating the increase in forest and land fires during the dry season,” Jeje said. Acting Head of the West Bandung Regency BPBD, Duddy Prabowo, stated that the mapping of drought-prone areas was conducted by referring to incidents during the dry season in recent years. This data forms the basis for the government to determine handling priorities should a clean water crisis occur again. During the 2023 dry season, at least eight sub-districts experienced drought, namely Cisarua, Ngamprah, Padalarang, Cipatat, Cipeundeuy, Cikalongwetan, Rongga, and Gununghalu. Meanwhile, in 2024, the affected areas included Batujajar, Ngamprah, Padalarang, Cipatat, Cisarua, Cikalongwetan, and Cipeundeuy. “These areas are our focus because, based on past experience, they have the potential to experience drought again during the dry season,” Duddy said. To anticipate the community’s clean water needs, BPBD has prepared personnel and a fleet that can be deployed to affected locations at any time. A total of 20 personnel are on standby during the emergency alert period, supported by three water tanker trucks to distribute clean water aid if requested by villages or sub-districts. “In the context of preparedness, we have readied personnel and equipment. There are 20 personnel on standby and three tanker trucks ready to be mobilised,” Duddy mentioned. BPBD will also continue to monitor weather developments and the availability of water sources in the West Bandung area during the dry season to ensure aid distribution can be carried out quickly when the community begins to experience a clean water crisis.