Indonesia faces prolonged 2026 drought and water scarcity

Indonesia is facing a prolonged dry season in 2026, leading to shrinking clean water sources, increased risks of forest and land fires, and potential crop failures. In response to the drought and environmental hazards, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called upon Muslims across the country to perform Salat Istisqa, a prayer specifically intended to ask for rain.

In the Sleman region, PDAM Tirta Sembada reports that while the dry season is longer than in previous years, the clean water supply to customers remains stable due to managed raw water sources like the Umbul Wadon spring. However, some areas, including Bimomartani, Tambakrejo, and Sendrejo, have begun experiencing slight decreases in water supply as surface water sources shrink and community usage increases.