Indonesian Red Cross Strengthens Clean Water Assistance as Drought Worsens

BEKASI, Indonesia, JurnalPost.com — The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has intensified its humanitarian response to worsening drought conditions by expanding emergency clean water services in Bekasi Regency, where prolonged dry weather has caused water shortages in several communities.

As part of the response, PMI distributed 200 water jerry cans, 200 buckets, two water storage tanks with a capacity of 5,000 liters each, and two additional tanks capable of holding 2,000 liters each.

The equipment has been installed at public facilities and other strategic locations in drought-affected areas to improve the storage and distribution of clean water.

The assistance complements emergency water delivery operations conducted by the Bekasi Regency branch of the Indonesian Red Cross. The additional storage facilities are expected to make water distribution more efficient and ensure that affected residents have continued access to water for drinking, cooking, washing, and other essential household needs.

Arifin M. Hadi, Head of Headquarters of the Indonesian Red Cross, said the operation was carried out following instructions from PMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla, who has urged Red Cross branches across the country to strengthen preparedness and humanitarian services as the drought intensifies.

“Under the direction of Chairman Jusuf Kalla, PMI must be prepared before the effects of extreme drought become more severe. Drought affects not only agriculture but also people’s daily lives. Our priority is to ensure that communities continue to have access to clean water for their essential household needs,” Arifin said.

According to Arifin, providing adequate water storage facilities is a crucial part of the emergency response because it enables residents to store water safely while improving the effectiveness of humanitarian operations.

“Delivering clean water alone is not enough. Communities also require proper facilities to store and use the water safely. By distributing jerry cans, buckets, and large-capacity storage tanks, emergency water supplies can reach more people and remain available for a longer period,” he added.

Alongside the emergency water assistance, PMI volunteers are conducting public awareness activities through the organization’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme.

The campaign encourages residents to use water responsibly, properly maintain storage containers, and adopt good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases during the dry season.

The aid distribution was attended by representatives of the Bekasi Regency Government, the Bekasi Regency Red Cross, the West Java Provincial Red Cross, the Bekasi Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and officials from district and village administrations.

The joint operation demonstrates close coordination between humanitarian organizations and government agencies to ensure emergency assistance reaches communities affected by the drought.

As Indonesia faces increasingly frequent extreme weather events linked to climate variability, the Indonesian Red Cross continues to work with government authorities and humanitarian partners to strengthen community resilience and help vulnerable populations maintain access to safe water during emergencies.