The areas include those in Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
"Those areas are areas that are prone to drought, based on data that has been studied for the last 10 years," he said in an official statement released here on Tuesday.
He also asked the BNPB to make efforts to conduct weather modification, among other things, to make it rain so as to fill or maintain water levels in reservoirs. That way, the water supply to meet people's needs would be maintained.
Soesatyo asked the BNPB and regional governments to take anticipatory measures in Sumatra and Kalimantan areas, which have many forested areas, to prevent drought that could potentially lead to land and forest fires.
He asked the central and regional governments to remain committed to fulfilling people's needs and their right to clean water.
"Clean water is one of the efforts for realizing clean sanitation, preventing malnutrition, and (realizing a) healthy life for the creation of a quality future generation," he explained.
Earlier, the BNPB appealed to people residing in the Java, Bali, NTB, and NTT areas to stay alert against drought.
Acting Head of the Disaster Information and Communication Data Center of the BNPB, Abdul Muhari, said on Monday that NTB is already showing signs of drought.
According to Muhari, a drought would have a big impact on Indonesia's economy. Therefore, the BNPB has called for an early warning and alertness meeting on drought in those areas.
As for Sumatra, the BNPB has appealed to people to raise their level of alertness given the potential for land and forest fires.
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Translator: Narda Margaretha, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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