Tasikmalaya BPBD Maps Water Sources and Boreholes to Anticipate Drought

The Tasikmalaya Regency Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) in West Java has begun proactive measures to anticipate the threat of extreme drought during the 2026 dry season. Mitigation efforts are focused on mapping water sources and optimising borehole assistance in the northern and southern regions of Tasikmalaya.

The Head of the BPBD Executive for Tasikmalaya Regency, Roni AKS, revealed that based on forecasts from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), this year’s dry season is predicted to be longer and drier than the previous year.

Roni explained that Tasikmalaya Regency is currently still in a wet hydrometeorological preparedness status. However, this condition is expected to end by the end of April.

“In April, the status is still wet hydrometeorological preparedness, peaking this month. However, entering May through September or October, we will shift to preparedness for a prolonged dry season,” said Roni AKS on Tuesday (7/4).

The prolonged dry conditions raise concerns about reduced water flow in residents’ wells, water sources, and irrigation channels, which could impact the agricultural sector. Additionally, extreme drought increases the risk of forest and land fires (Karhutla).

As a precautionary step, BPBD has instructed village government officials and sub-district heads to actively communicate and re-inventory existing water infrastructure assets. The main focus is ensuring that aid boreholes and water pumps are in good working condition.

Based on last year’s data, several areas are priority points due to high demand for clean water, including:

If a clean water crisis begins to strike, the Tasikmalaya Regency BPBD has prepared a distribution fleet. Six water tanker trucks from BPBD and the Perumda PDAM Tirta Sukapura are on standby to supply residents’ needs.

“Clean water distribution to the community will be carried out without any charges, completely free. We aim to provide assistance as quickly as possible once reports come in,” emphasised Roni.

Although preparing for the dry season, BPBD still urges the public to remain vigilant against potential disasters in the remaining April period. High rainfall accompanied by strong winds at times can trigger landslides and floods in vulnerable areas.