Indonesia faces severe drought as BMKG forecasts low rain and Cimadi halts new artesian wells

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that the chance of rain across the province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) will be below 10 % in the first half of July 2026, as the region enters the peak of the dry season and a moderate El Niño strengthens. BMKG warned that several districts are now under meteorological drought watch and urged residents to use water wisely to avert a clean‑water crisis.

In the city of Cimahi, local officials announced a stop to the drilling of new artesian wells, citing concerns that groundwater extraction—especially by industry—could aggravate the looming water shortage. The city will instead rely on surface‑water sources, enhance piped water supplies, and keep emergency water tanks ready for affected neighborhoods.