RRI.CO.ID, Mataram - Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is strengthening preparedness measures in anticipation of prolonged drought as El Niño conditions are forecast to intensify toward the end of 2026. The agency is focusing on mitigation efforts to reduce the impact of water shortages in vulnerable regions, particularly West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

The measures were outlined by BNPB Chief Lt. Gen. Suharyanto during a coordination meeting on drought preparedness in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, on Friday, 24 July 2026. The meeting was attended by the provincial governor, regents, mayors, regional disaster management officials, and local security representatives.

Suharyanto said BNPB and local governments had agreed to take preventive action before drought conditions worsen. According to him, weather modification operations will be carried out where rain clouds are still available, while deep wells, water tankers, and emergency logistics will be deployed to areas already experiencing severe water shortages.

"BNPB agrees with the governor and all regents and mayors that we must prepare as thoroughly as possible to face the drought threat caused by El Niño," Suharyanto said. He added that drilling deep wells remains the primary solution for providing sustainable access to clean water in drought-affected communities.

Where groundwater cannot be accessed and pipeline systems are not feasible due to extreme dry conditions, BNPB will distribute clean water using tanker trucks. The agency will also provide supporting infrastructure, including water storage tanks, pipes, and other equipment to ensure communities can meet their daily water needs.

Suharyanto praised the West Nusa Tenggara provincial government for integrating disaster risk reduction into its 2025–2029 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan. He said the province's commitment to strengthening resilience, disaster mitigation, and climate adaptation could serve as a model for other regions facing similar disaster risks.

To support local governments that have declared drought emergency status, BNPB distributed disaster response equipment, including water pumps, spring pumps, water storage tanks, PVC pipes, faucets, and food assistance packages. The assistance is intended to strengthen local response capacity during the dry season.

Following the coordination meeting, Suharyanto inspected a tsunami early warning siren installed in the Loang Baloq tourism area in Mataram to ensure it remained fully operational. He expressed hope that the system would continue providing timely warnings and help residents evacuate quickly in the event of a tsunami, reinforcing Indonesia's broader commitment to disaster preparedness amid increasing climate-related risks.