Indonesia faces widespread water crises due to prolonged drought

Various regions across Indonesia are facing significant water crises due to prolonged dry seasons and drought conditions. In Mimika, Papua Tengah, residents of Nayaro Village have struggled for nearly three months to access clean water as rainwater and river sources dry up, forcing some to leave the village to find water.

In Grobogan, Central Java, residents of Kemiri Hamlet report that local wells are producing insufficient, salty, or discolored water, making them unfit for consumption. Similarly, in Bangka Belitung, 13 villages and one sub-district are experiencing water shortages. Experts note that geological factors and land-use changes, such as the conversion of forests into palm oil plantations and mines, are exacerbating the depletion of groundwater.

In response to the dry season, the East Jakarta Food Security, Marine, and Agriculture Department is implementing water conservation measures for urban farming. These include monitoring plant conditions, encouraging efficient irrigation techniques like drip or sprinkler systems, and promoting the cultivation of drought-resistant crops such as chili, eggplant, and tomatoes.