RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The impact of the drought, caused by the dry season and El Niño, has spread across Indonesia. As of August 5, 2026, the government had intervened in 492 affected areas to secure clean water and protect farm productivity.

The Ministry of Public Works reports 105 affected locations in agricultural areas, covering 22,210 hectares of rice fields. The remaining 387 affected locations are residential communities serving about 155,228 people. A total of 442 locations were completed, 50 are ongoing.

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said ensuring water availability has become critical due to prolonged dry conditions.

"Water is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. Drought mitigation must be carried out swiftly, systematically, and in an integrated manner to ensure communities have access to water and agricultural productivity is maintained," Minister Dody said, as quoted by the Ministry of State Secretariat,

Emergency measures in farming areas include pumping water from rivers to irrigate rice fields, repairing irrigation canals, and installing sandbags.

The government is delivering clean water to residential areas via tanker trucks, drilling wells, extending pipelines, and identifying alternative sources. The ministry is also deploying mobile pumps, water tankers, and regional Public Works offices to accelerate emergency responses.

Beyond immediate relief efforts, the government is closely monitoring national water resources and adjusting reservoir operations to safeguard raw water supplies, irrigation systems, and household needs throughout the dry season.

To help maintain water reserves for communities and irrigation systems, authorities have also done weather modification operations when conditions permit. One such operation was done at Jatiluhur Dam on July 30 amid worsening drought conditions. ***