Indonesia faces widespread drought and water crisis

Severe drought conditions triggered by El Nino are causing widespread water crises and agricultural threats across multiple Indonesian provinces.

In Banten, the Serang Regency BPBD has distributed 114,500 liters of clean water across 24 locations, though many requests remain unfulfilled due to limited water tank vehicles. In Pandeglang, residents in Cikeusik are forced to use murky river water for daily needs, leading to reported skin irritations.

In West Sulawesi, the drought threatens 3,000 hectares of rice fields, particularly in Mamuju Tengah and Polewali Mandar. Governor Suhardi Duka stated that the provincial government aims to save up to 2,000 hectares using water pumps and tanks. The region is also monitoring over 3,000 hotspots, with active fires reported in Mamasa.

In Karawang, Pertamina and the local BPBD are collaborating to distribute 92,000 liters of water to 11 villages. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works (PU) has provided 29,000 liters of water to hundreds of residents in Central and East Java, specifically targeting villages in Boyolali, Blora, and Ngawi to ensure access to basic daily needs.