For emergency response, BNPB's Ready-to-Use Fund can be disbursed quickly, even within a week,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has urged regional governments nationwide to prepare for a potential clean water crisis as the upcoming dry season, intensified by the El Niño phenomenon, is forecast to last for up to 11 months.

BNPB Chief Suharyanto said in a statement on Friday (July 3, 2026) that soaring temperatures and significantly reduced rainfall caused by the climate anomaly could severely disrupt clean water supplies in many parts of the country.

"According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Indonesia could experience a prolonged El Niño from July 2026 to May 2027," he said during the inauguration of a clean water pipeline network in Paten Village, Magelang District, Central Java.

In response to the potential threat, Suharyanto called on all district and municipal governments to immediately identify and map drought-prone areas within their respective regions.

He noted that the Magelang district administration has already begun mapping the Menoreh Hills area, which has historically been vulnerable to drought.

The findings from these regional assessments, he said, will form the basis for the central government's comprehensive national drought mitigation strategy.

"These mapping results will guide our mitigation measures, including in the Menoreh area of Magelang, whether by extending clean water pipeline networks or constructing deep wells," Suharyanto said.

To support mitigation efforts nationwide, the central government is prepared to provide financial assistance through BNPB's emergency funding mechanism.

"Our people should not have to carry water containers and walk long distances just to obtain clean water. We encourage regional governments to submit their proposals immediately. For emergency response, BNPB's Ready-to-Use Fund can be disbursed quickly, even within a week," he added.



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Translator: M. Riezko Bima, Uyu Liman
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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