60 Percent of Indonesia Entering Dry Season, BMKG Warns of Clean Water Crisis Threat

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that about 60 percent of Indonesia has now entered the dry season. This condition encourages BMKG to issue an early warning of the potential for meteorological drought for the dasarian II period of July 2026 or July 11-20, 2026.

BMKG explained that the reduced rainfall in various areas increased the potential for drought, especially in areas that have recently experienced very low intensity rain or even no rain at all.

Although there are no areas that fall into the "watch" category, a number of areas are expected to face the potential of drought at the "alert" level, especially on the island of Java to Nusa Tenggara.

Based on the BMKG's analysis, the areas that are potentially experiencing meteorological drought in the "alert" category include a number of districts and cities in Banten Province, West Java, Central Java, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Meanwhile, the areas with the "alert" category drought potential spread across a number of districts and cities in Bangka Belitung, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta Special Region, East Java, South Kalimantan, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, North Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Maluku, to South Papua.

BMKG urges the public to start anticipating the impact of the dry season by using water sparingly and wisely to maintain the availability of clean water supply.

In addition, the public is asked not to burn land or waste because it has the potential to trigger forest and land fires (karhutla), especially in areas where vegetation is starting to dry due to low rainfall.

BMKG also recommends that the public reduce outdoor activities during the day if not urgent. During the dry season, air temperatures are generally higher, increasing the risk of dehydration and health problems due to exposure to heat.

As the area that enters the dry season expands, BMKG asks local governments and the public to increase vigilance against the potential for drought, clean water crises, and forest and land fires, which generally increase during the peak dry season.