Anticipate Drought, Bantul BPBD Prepares 560 Clean Water Tanks

The Office of the Bantul Regional Disaster Management Agency for the Special Region of Yogyakarta. (ANTARA)

The phenomenon of drought that has been repeated in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region has forced local governments to prepare from an early age, especially to ensure access to water for affected residents.

As a form of anticipation, the Bantul Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has prepared large amounts of clean water assistance. A total of 560 water tanks have been allocated as water distribution reserves for people experiencing access difficulties due to the impact of the 2025 dry season.

"This year we have prepared a budget of around Rp. 28 million for clean water procurement, with a total capacity of 560 tanks," said Antoni Hutagaol, Head of Emergency, Logistics and Equipment Division of BPBD Bantul, when met in Bantul as quoted by ANTARA.

The volume of clean water prepared is equivalent to about 2.8 million liters, considering that each tank has a capacity of 5,000 liters. The distribution of water will be carried out based on the demand of people living in drought-prone areas and has submitted an official application.

However, Antoni also reminded that the prepared water stock could not be sufficient if demand continued to increase. Therefore, his party opens the possibility to return to collaborating with the private sector and other social institutions.

"Last year, the government's budget ran out faster because the demand for water droppings continued to increase. Fortunately, partner companies helped through their CSR program," he said.

Until now, Bantul BPBD is still waiting for the provincial level coordination meeting (rakor) with the DIY Regional Government and other relevant agencies. The meeting is usually held ahead of the peak of the dry season to formulate strategies and divide cross-sectoral roles.

Based on previous experience, this coordination meeting will also involve BMKG, especially to convey weather predictions and potential areas at high risk of drought.

"According to the BMKG forecast, the start of the dry season is expected to start in August. But at this time we are still experiencing wet dry conditions, where hot weather can suddenly be shrouded in rain. This makes the season unstable," he explained.