Six Subak Systems Parched by Drought, Badung Regency Deploys Three Water Tankers
Several active paddy fields across six subak systems in Petang District, Badung Regency, Bali, have been left parched due to limited irrigation water flow and distribution. The Badung Regency Government is providing emergency assistance by deploying three water tankers and pumps to save crops in the agricultural lands.
“The areas most affected are primarily the farmlands in the downstream sections because irrigation water flow and distribution are limited. This is an emergency response, distributing water via tankers and pumps so that the water needs of the crops can still be met,” said the Head of the Badung Agriculture and Food Office (Diperpa), Anak Agung Ngurah Raka Sukadana, on Thursday (10/09/2026).
The rice field areas experiencing the water crisis include Subak Bergiding, Subak Penglumbaran, Subak Buangga, as well as Subak Babakan Bengkel I, II, and III. The most severe conditions are being felt by farmers working on lands in the downstream regions.
Sukadana stated that he has requested the administrators of Subak Batulantang and Subak Bukit, located in the upstream areas, to reorganise the management of irrigation water distribution to the lower areas. He has also submitted requests for emergency water pump facilities along with additional operational funds to support the water supply needs in the affected lands.
“Our coordination is focused on regulating water distribution. The application for emergency water pumps and operational support to help meet the water needs in agricultural lands has also been submitted,” said Raka.
The delivery of water via tankers is being assisted by units from the Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning (DPUPR). He acknowledged that the drought management is being carried out in stages to ensure irrigation supplies return to stability, which includes preparing alternative water sources such as wells at other points determined based on technical identification and water source availability.
“Alternative water sources, such as wells, will be located in Munduk Beng, Subak Buangga, in Getasan Village. We are opening the option for additional borehole construction, though this remains subject to technical studies,” he added.
These medium- and long-term steps are being prepared to strengthen the irrigation system and anticipate the threat of drought in the future. This issue was recently discussed with local subak administrators at the Subak Bergiding Hall in Pangsan Village.