Residents in Kunciran, Tangerang, Queue for Water Relief Amid Prolonged Drought

A drought has caused residents of Kunciran Jaya, Pinang District, Tangerang City, Banten, to face significant difficulties in obtaining clean water. The condition has persisted for more than two months, disrupting daily activities.

One resident, Haryati, stated that the water in her home has not flowed at all for approximately two months. To meet her drinking and cooking needs, she is forced to purchase water.

“It has been more than two months, I think. Nothing comes out of the tap at home at all,” Haryati said on Friday (18/9).

This situation has forced Haryati to incur additional daily costs. For clean water needs, she purchases several gallons, while for bathing and laundry, she occasionally relies on donations from neighbours.

“For drinking and cooking, I have to buy it. For bathing and other needs, I ask my neighbours. But the water is not very clean; it is murky,” she said.

Haryati admitted that her household expenses have increased since the water crisis began. She must purchase water at prices ranging from Rp6,000 to Rp10,000 per gallon, in addition to the cost of bottled drinking water.

“The cost of living is getting higher, even higher, with added expenses,” she added.

Amidst these conditions, residents have received clean water assistance from the Tangerang City Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and the Banten Provincial PMI.

Haryati must queue to receive the clean water aid. Each household is allocated a maximum of 10 gallons.

“I am grateful to the PMI for providing us with clean water. Hopefully, this assistance can be provided every day,” she said.

The Chairman of the Tangerang City PMI, Oman Jumansyah, stated that the assistance was provided after his organisation received reports regarding residents struggling to access clean water.

According to Oman, the Tangerang City PMI coordinated with the Banten Provincial PMI to bring water tankers to the location.

“There is no water here at all. Therefore, last night we coordinated with the Provincial PMI to use their tankers. Today, we are distributing the available water so it can be utilised by the community members who are lacking water,” said Oman.

A total of 5,000 litres, or five cubic metres of clean water, was distributed to residents. The aid is intended for dozens of affected families.

Oman noted that the distribution of clean water may be repeated if further reports are received from the community.

“If we receive reports from the sub-district PMI teams, we will conduct similar operations. This is based on direct requests from the community,” he said.

He emphasised that water is a basic necessity for the community, whether for drinking, cooking, or bathing.

Meanwhile, the Head of Implementation for the Tangerang City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Mahdiar, stated that the potential for drought must be anticipated as weather conditions affect water availability.

He noted that the BPBD is open to receiving reports from the public regarding clean water shortages. Such reports will subsequently undergo assessment to determine the necessary form of handling.

“Our priority is responding to community reports and seeing how we can help. Currently, the PMI is also part of our rapid response team,” said Mahdiar.

According to Mahdiar, his agency has also coordinated with Perumda Tirta Benteng in the event of reports regarding water supply disruptions caused by network issues. If the network can still be repaired, the handling will be carried out through pipe repairs.

However, if a specific area truly requires clean water assistance, the BPBD will coordinate with the PMI and relevant parties to manage distribution.

Mahdiar mentioned that surface water in several areas is beginning to be affected by the weather. In fact, they have found residents drilling more than 20 metres deep to find water sources.

“Surface water is becoming quite difficult to obtain. The current weather conditions are significantly affecting the water situation,” he said.

As a preventative measure in case the shortage expands, the Tangerang City BPBD is also discussing the preparation of water collection points that can be centralised at the sub-district level.

This step is expected to facilitate water distribution and anticipate logistical challenges for water tankers, particularly in densely populated residential areas.