Residents of Gunung Batu Village, Banjar Sulit, have been able to get clean water since the last week.

Drought hit Gunung Batu Village, Sambung Makmur District, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan (Kalsel) photo: PU ministry

JAKARTA - Drought has hit Gunung Batu Village, Sambung Makmur District, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan (Kalsel).

Drought began to occur since August 3, 2026 and made residents experience limited water sources.

Geographical conditions and limited water sources are one of the factors that make people need clean water supplies during the dry season.

To meet the needs of residents, the Ministry of Public Works (PU) distributed 8,000 liters of clean water to Gunung Batu Village.

Water is distributed through two tanker cars, each with a capacity of 4,000 liters. Distribution is carried out on a scheduled basis and adjusted to the conditions and needs of the community in the field.

In addition to water supply using tankers, the PU Ministry has placed two units of tanks or public hydrants in locations that are easily accessible to the public.

Each tank has a capacity of 2,200 liters and is used as a storage place for clean water.

In the distribution of water, the PU Ministry coordinates with the Gunung Batu Village Government, the Sambung Makmur District Government, the Banjar Regency BPBD and the South Kalimantan Building, Infrastructure and Area Arrangement Office (BPBPK).

The Directorate General of Construction of the Ministry of PU through BPBPK South Kalimantan also assigned three personnel to assist in water distribution in the field.

Monitoring is carried out periodically to adjust the distribution of water to the needs of the community.

Minister PU Dody Hanggodo said that drought management is not only carried out through the distribution of clean water, but also by preparing infrastructure to reduce the risk of water shortages during the dry season.

"The PU Ministry continues to coordinate with local governments to prepare long-term handling, including through the development of raw water sources, ponds, boreholes and piping networks according to regional needs. In this way, the risk of water shortages in the dry season can be suppressed," said Dody in a written statement, Tuesday, August 11.