MELAWI – A prolonged drought affecting several areas of Melawi Regency, West Kalimantan, in 2026 has made access to clean water increasingly difficult for local communities. Between August 31 and September 8, 2026, a total of 43,571 liters of clean water was distributed to residents across several areas of Melawi to help meet their daily needs. The situation highlights the importance of reliable clean water sources amid prolonged dry conditions and the ongoing threat of forest and land fires.
In response, Gemawan supported the construction of two bore wells for communities in Sebaju Hamlet, Nanga Kebebu Village, Nanga Pinoh District, and Sungai Raya Hamlet, Kompas Raya Village, North Pinoh District. The assistance was delivered through SUAR, Gemawan’s local partner in Melawi.
“The support for these bore wells was provided through SUAR, Gemawan’s partner in Melawi, to help communities gain access to clean water,” said Arni, a Gemawan activist.
In Sebaju Hamlet, drilling reached a depth of 18 meters and successfully tapped into an abundant water source. The drilling team estimated that the well could meet the needs of approximately 40 households in the inner residential area of the hamlet. Meanwhile, the bore well in Sungai Raya Hamlet is expected to provide clean water for around 20 nearby households.
“Judging by the amount of water, this well could serve the entire village. We could install four suction pipes at once because there is enough water to be pumped using a Robin engine. Even as the drilling team, we’re very satisfied to have found this much water,” said Sakirin, head of the well-drilling team, following the drilling work on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
For residents of Sebaju, the bore well is particularly important because their traditional water sources have been affected by pollution. According to Yayan, Head of Sebaju Hamlet, the nearby Kebebu River has been contaminated by illegal gold mining activities upstream.
“Fortunately, Gemawan has provided us with this bore well. We are very grateful to Gemawan,” Yayan said.
He explained that the community plans to establish three water access points so that more households in Sebaju’s inner residential area can benefit from the new water source.
Beyond meeting daily household needs, the bore well, located near the hamlet’s community meeting hall, is also expected to provide water for firefighting. Yayan explained that limited water availability has been one of the major challenges residents face when fires break out around the hamlet.
Residents of Sungai Raya Hamlet have experienced similar difficulties. Bujang Sasmi, a local community leader, explained that traditional dug wells in the area frequently run dry. As a result, some residents have had to purchase drinking water. Those unable to afford it have been forced to collect water from the Melawi River, allow the sediment to settle, and then boil it before consumption.
“Thank you to Gemawan. We will make the best possible use of this bore well, both to provide clean water for our community and to help extinguish fires. Our thanks also go to Bang Isa and all our friends at Gemawan,” Bujang said.
The construction of these two bore wells is expected to help communities in Sebaju and Sungai Raya meet their clean water needs while strengthening their preparedness for potential fires.
The experiences of both hamlets also demonstrate the importance of having reliable water sources close to residential areas, particularly when the sources communities have traditionally depended on can no longer be relied upon.
Written by: Taji