West Java Declares Drought Emergency Alert Status

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that the West Java Provincial Government has officially declared a drought emergency alert status to anticipate the expanding impact of the clean water crisis and forest and land fires.

The Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, stated in Jakarta on Thursday that the declaration of emergency status provides the legal foundation for meeting emergency logistical needs in the region.

Abdul explained that the emergency alert status at the provincial level is effective from 1 July 2026.

This swift action by the West Java Provincial Government is a response to the increasing daily reports of drought-related disasters affecting several regencies.

According to Abdul, based on rapid assessment reports from field teams, drought events at the beginning of this dry season have already hit the administrative area of Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java.

The impact of declining water source volumes, which has resulted in a domestic-scale clean water crisis, is reported to be centred in the residential area of Pedangkamulyan Village, Bojonggambir District, Tasikmalaya Regency.

The BNPB Operations Control Centre noted that at least 850 households in Pedangkamulyan Village are directly affected and are struggling to access clean water for their daily needs.

In response to the drought impacts that are beginning to burden residents, Abdul revealed that the Tasikmalaya Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) immediately deployed rapid response teams to the field.

He added that officers from the Tasikmalaya BPBD rapid response team have been periodically distributing clean water supplies directly to the affected community since Wednesday (1/7) to ensure their basic needs are met.