Tasikmalaya Faces Zero Contingency Budget for Drought Disaster Response

The Tasikmalaya Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in West Java has been forced to seek community fundraising sources to supply clean water to residents affected by drought. This step was taken following the complete absence of the Unforeseen Expenditure Budget (BTT) for drought and forest and land fire emergency preparedness in the region.

Head of the Tasikmalaya Regency BPBD, Roni AKS, revealed that the lack of a BTT budget was due to efficiency measures after the central government cut the Transfer to Regions Fund (TKD). Despite the zero budget, Roni assured that clean water distribution continues to be carried out periodically to serve the community’s needs.

‘For operational needs such as purchasing fuel, we are sourcing funds through mutual cooperation involving Arta Galunggung, Daru Tauhid, BPR CIJ, and Perumda Tirta Sukapura,’ Roni said on Tuesday (28/7/2026). The funds are allocated to serve 25,077 individuals or 5,246 families spread across 12 sub-districts.

Roni added that the clean water crisis is currently expanding and has impacted 16 villages. To date, BPBD has recorded a total distribution of 290,000 litres of clean water. The agency is also continuing to coordinate with the West Java Provincial Baznas and the Forestry Management Unit, as coordination for water delivery with the Social Service has not been running optimally.

At the community level, the dry season is beginning to burden the local economy. Dadang (50), a resident of Cicurubung Hamlet, Cipacing Village, admitted he has to buy refillable gallon water for Rp15,000 for his daily needs because the well at his home has dried up. ‘The water crisis greatly impacts cooking, drinking, and even bathing and washing needs,’ he complained.

The drought is reported to be spreading in several locations such as Cipacing Village, Pageurageung, Sukaraja Village, Rajapolah District, and Kadipaten District. Although water aid from BPBD has begun to be received, residents hope that the supply can be increased as the current distribution is deemed insufficient to meet the needs of all affected communities in the hamlets.