Indonesia's Eastern Provinces Grapple with Severe Drought

Village head Amin Rumbara of Wailola in Bula subdistrict, South East Maluku (SBT), said the drought has become unmanageable and urged Bupati Fachri Husni Alkatiri to create a dedicated task force to address water shortages, fires and related hazards. Local efforts such as supplying clean water and coordinating with the fire department and the regional disaster agency have been insufficient, prompting his declaration of surrender to the worsening conditions.

In Bone Bolango regency, Central Sulawesi, Regent Ismet Mile, together with regional officials, conducted a Salat Istisqa prayer ceremony asking for rain. He emphasized the need for continued spiritual appeals as water scarcity threatens daily life and agriculture, noting reports of several villages lacking clean water. The regency government has taken anticipatory measures to ensure water provision despite limited resources.