East Java Boosts Drought Alert Ahead of El Niño, 40 Million at Risk of Water Crisis

The East Java provincial government is intensifying its preparedness for a prolonged dry season caused by the El Niño phenomenon. Drought alerts have been issued in seven regions across the province: Bangkalan, Lamongan, Pasuruan, Blitar, Lumajang, Bondowoso, and Banyuwangi. Approximately 40 million residents are at risk of facing a water crisis due to these conditions. According to predictions from the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the peak of the dry season in East Java is expected to occur between August and September. The Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has already implemented several precautionary measures in anticipation of El Niño in 2026. "We are carrying out emergency, temporary, and short-term handling measures. For example, in Bondowoso, we have distributed 10,000 liters of clean water," stated Gatot Soebroto, Head of the BPBD East Java. Furthermore, the BPBD is monitoring and addressing potential drought risks across approximately 373,053 hectares of land, ranging from moderate to high severity. Gatot mentioned that Bondowoso and Situbondo are areas prone to drought every year, necessitating annual clean water distribution to settlements. "We have drilled deep wells in the Bondowoso region, and fortunately, the water is utilized by the community for daily needs," Gatot said. A past instance of drought in Badur Village, Sumenep, Madura, led to a water crisis for its residents. Long-term drought mitigation requires the involvement of all parties, including the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, universities, and the private sector. For instance, in Singosari, Malang Regency, a region frequently affected by drought, pipeline installation is underway to channel water from a source on Mount Arjuna's slopes to settlements. Gatot urged mayors and regents across East Java to optimize the use of reservoirs (embung), infiltration wells, and ponds for rainwater harvesting, aiming to secure water resources for the long term. Information Source: Mongabay Indonesia