West Bandung Regent Accelerates Well Drilling to Combat Water Crisis
The Regent of West Bandung, Jeje Ritchie Ismail, stated that 48 boreholes are currently under construction to ensure residents receive clean water services during the dry season, which is predicted to last slightly longer due to the El Niño phenomenon this year. 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 supply systems) at 48 points spread across various villages, accompanied by the provision of water tanks to optimise water distribution to the community,” Jeje said when confirmed in West Bandung Regency, West Java, on Sunday (26/7/2026).
Furthermore, Jeje added that the West Bandung Regency Government, through relevant regional apparatus organisations, is also deploying a fleet for clean water distribution. This includes three tanker trucks from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), two from the Housing and Settlement Agency, and one from the Fire Department to meet the needs of affected communities. Another measure is the opening of an emergency clean water distribution service. Residents experiencing difficulties in obtaining clean water can report through village or sub-district governments, or directly contact the BPBD call centre via WhatsApp at 0877-1661-2121 for immediate follow-up.
“The West Bandung Regency Government will continue to monitor developments on the ground and ensure that every affected resident receives fast and appropriate treatment,” Jeje said. Previously, the West Bandung Regency Government established a Drought and Forest and Land Fire Emergency Alert Status, effective from 1 July to 30 September 2026. This status was created as a form of government preparedness to face the risks posed during the dry season.
“This step is taken as a form of preparedness to face the threat of drought as well as to anticipate the increase in forest and land fires during the dry season,” Jeje stated. The Acting Head of the West Bandung Regency BPBD, Duddy Prabowo, said that mapping of drought-prone areas was carried out by referring to incidents during the dry season in recent years. This data serves as the basis for the government to determine handling priorities if a clean water crisis occurs 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 sub-districts. “These areas are our concern because, based on past experience, they have the potential to experience drought again during the dry season,” Duddy said.
To anticipate the community’s need for clean water, the 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 that will be used to distribute clean water aid to villages and sub-districts. “In the context of preparedness, personnel and equipment are already prepared. There are 20 personnel on standby and three tanker trucks ready to be mobilised,” Duddy stated. The 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 residents begin to experience a clean water crisis.