In a statement received in Magelang, Central Java, on Sunday, Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Abdul Muhari explained that the fleet consists of six tanker trucks from the Ministry of Public Works and one operated by BNPB.
With support from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and other organizations, the water tankers are operating around the clock in three shifts to distribute clean water to hospitals, public kitchens, evacuation camps, public hydrants, and residential areas.
Muhari stressed that the water supply operation has become urgent due to the extensive damage caused by floods and landslides last November, which severely disrupted Central Tapanuli’s clean water systems.
He noted that the disasters, which struck dozens of locations across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, caused significant damage to Central Tapanuli’s pipeline network, cutting off clean water distribution to 15 sub-districts.
The official added that joint personnel are continuing repair efforts on damaged water infrastructure, despite ongoing risks of additional landslides triggered by persistent heavy rainfall in the area.
Tora Limbong, a resident of Pandan Sub-district, Central Tapanuli, expressed gratitude to the government for the clean water assistance, which residents have used for nearly a month, particularly for washing clothes.
For drinking, cooking, and bathing, however, residents have continued to rely on hillside springs.
He also voiced hope that Central Tapanuli’s pipeline network will be restored soon, allowing residents to regain safer and more reliable access to clean water, while cautioning against the risks of depending solely on natural springs for sustained supply.
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Translator: M. Riezko, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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