West Java DPRD Supports Drought Emergency Status in 27 Regencies

Bandung (ANTARA) - The West Java Regional Representative Council (DPRD) has supported the move by the West Java Provincial Government to declare an emergency alert status for drought as well as forest and land fires across 27 regencies and cities for the period 1 July to 30 September 2026.

Deputy Speaker of the West Java DPRD MQ Iswara considered the policy important as an anticipatory measure against the potential for drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon and weather anomalies expected to occur during this year’s dry season.

“We support the step taken by the West Java Provincial Government in issuing this circular. We view the policy as an effort to anticipate the potential for drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon and weather anomalies forecast to occur during this year’s dry season,” said Iswara in a statement received in Bandung on Tuesday.

According to him, current weather conditions have become increasingly difficult to predict as a consequence of global climate change, which is why early mitigation measures are required from regional governments.

Iswara added that the impact of climate change is being felt not only by the agricultural sector but also by various other sectors that depend on weather conditions and the availability of water resources.

“We must anticipate climate change from the outset. Communities, particularly those working in agriculture and other sectors heavily reliant on weather conditions, must not suffer losses due to a delayed response,” he said.

Regarding funding support, he explained that the West Java Provincial Government has an Unforeseen Expenditure (Belanja Tidak Terduga/BTT) mechanism that can be utilised should conditions on the ground meet the requirements to be classified as a state of emergency.