PMI Distributes 55,000 Liters of Clean Water to Drought-Hit Sukabumi Residents

SUKABUMI, Indonesia, JurnalPost.com — The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in Sukabumi City, in collaboration with municipal water utility Perumda Tirta Bumi Wibawa, has distributed emergency clean water to hundreds of families affected by drought in Cikundul Hilir, West Java.

The humanitarian operation was conducted on Saturday and reached approximately 340 households in RW 04, Cikundul Hilir, Cikundul Village. Residents in the area have faced growing difficulties accessing clean water following an extended period of dry weather.

The distribution was carried out in response to an official request submitted by local authorities as part of a coordinated effort to address the community’s urgent water needs.

During the operation, PMI Sukabumi City delivered 10,000 liters of clean water in two tanker truck trips. Perumda Tirta Bumi Wibawa supplied an additional 45,000 liters, bringing the total amount distributed to 55,000 liters.

The assistance was intended to ensure that affected families had sufficient access to safe water for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and other daily necessities.

HR. Imran Wardhani, Head of Disaster Management at PMI Sukabumi City and Assistant Regional Secretary III of the Sukabumi City Government, said the operation formed part of the city’s wider drought preparedness and emergency response measures.

“Together with the municipal water utility and the Regional Disaster Management Agency, or BPBD, we immediately responded to the request submitted by the local authorities,” Wardhani said.

“This operation is part of the implementation of the Mayor’s Decree declaring a Drought Emergency Alert from July 1 to September 30, 2026. Today, PMI distributed 10,000 liters of clean water in two tanker trips, while the municipal water utility supplied another 45,000 liters,” he added.

Wardhani emphasized that ensuring continued access to clean and safe water remains a key priority throughout the drought emergency.

“Our priority is to make sure communities continue to have access to one of their most basic needs—safe and clean water—throughout the emergency period,” he said.

PMI Sukabumi City continues to coordinate with the municipal government, BPBD, Perumda Tirta Bumi Wibawa, and other relevant partners to monitor neighborhoods considered vulnerable to water shortages.

Further emergency water distributions will be conducted when official requests are received from village or subdistrict authorities.

The joint operation underscores the importance of cooperation between government agencies, public service providers, and humanitarian organizations in responding to climate-related emergencies.

As the dry season intensifies, access to clean water is becoming an increasing concern for vulnerable communities across Sukabumi City.

PMI has encouraged residents experiencing water shortages to report their situation through their respective local government offices. Reports will be assessed so that assistance can be delivered promptly through the city’s emergency response mechanism.

The Sukabumi City Government has officially declared a Drought Emergency Alert covering the period from July 1 to September 30, 2026. The status allows government agencies and humanitarian partners to strengthen preparedness, improve coordination, and accelerate the delivery of emergency assistance.

Through continued collaboration, PMI and its partners aim to maintain access to safe water for vulnerable communities throughout the dry season while reducing the humanitarian impact of prolonged drought.