April 27, 2026 | 11:47 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Banyuwangi Regency administration has completed a mapping of the region to anticipate a potentially prolonged dry season triggered by this year’s El Niño phenomenon and its extreme heat. The Banyuwangi Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has placed its Long Dry Season Anticipation Task Force on standby, ready for immediate field deployment.
"This step follows the national warning released by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) regarding the potential for a prolonged dry season," said Partana, Head of BPBD Banyuwangi, on Monday, April 27, 2026.
According to Partana, while the government hopes the impact of El Niño remains manageable, proactive measures are essential. The strategy encompasses comprehensive mitigation for potential water shortages and the threat of forest and land fires.
The task force integrates various stakeholders, including relevant Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD), the military and police (TNI-Polri), the BMKG (the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency), Basarnas (the National Search and Rescue Agency), Alas Purwo National Park authorities, and the local community. "Currently, we are in a state of preparedness. Should the need arise at any moment, the team is ready," Partana emphasized.
In its mitigation planning, the BPBD identified 11 districts with high drought vulnerability: Wongsorejo, Tegaldlimo, Singojuruh, Blimbingsari, Kabat, Gambiran, Purwoharjo, Siliragung, Muncar, Bangorejo, and Pesanggaran.
Districts categorized with moderate vulnerability include Glagah, Kalipuro, Giri, and Cluring. Meanwhile, 10 other districts, including Banyuwangi Kota, Rogojampi, Tegalsari, Srono, Songgon, Glenmore, Genteng, Licin, Kalibaru, and Sempu, are considered low-risk areas.
"In addition to mapping clean water resources, we are paying close attention to potential fire hotspots within production forests and national parks," he added.
Coordination has already been established through preliminary meetings involving stakeholders from the regency to the provincial level. This ensures that every agency can execute mitigation efforts according to their specific authority and capacity.
Based on BMKG predictions, the potential for a prolonged dry season began in early April and is expected to peak between August and September. "This is why we have convened all stakeholders. For the OPDs, their roles are clearly defined; the main responsibility lies with the Agriculture Agency, the Irrigation Agency, and the Department of Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUDAM) to ensure adequate water supplies and the smooth distribution of clean water to residents," he explained.
While preparing for the dry season, the BPBD remains vigilant regarding other hydrometeorological threats, such as floods and strong winds. In recent days, heavy rains have continued to soak several areas of Banyuwangi, leading to rising river levels. "One consequence was the collapse of a bridge in Sraten Village, Cluring District, due to flooding a few days ago. Not long ago, flash floods also struck Kalibaru," he noted.
Read: Sunny Days Ahead: Is El Nino Finally Here?
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