NORTH KAYONG – Gemawan distributed 7,000 liters of clean water to communities in two areas of North Kayong Regency, West Kalimantan, on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Of this amount, 4,000 liters were delivered in collaboration with BOICE Indonesia to residents of Sukamaju, Karya Maju Hamlet, Teluk Batang Village, while the remaining 3,000 liters were distributed to residents of Masbangun Village.
The water distribution aimed to help communities meet their basic needs amid a prolonged drought and hot weather that have increasingly limited water availability across several parts of North Kayong. Each community faces its own challenges in accessing clean water.
4,000 Liters of Clean Water for Sukamaju Residents
Sukamaju, an area within Karya Maju Hamlet in Teluk Batang Village, is among the communities experiencing limited access to clean water. In addition to dwindling water sources during the dry season, poor road conditions have made it difficult for residents to collect water from outside the area or travel to the village center.
“The roads are in such poor condition that residents struggle to transport water containers by motorcycle. That’s why assistance needs to be delivered directly to the people of Sukamaju,” said Dastin, a Gemawan activist.
To reach the community, 4,000 liters of clean water were transported by truck using a large water storage tank. The water was then distributed near the local school area, where Sukamaju residents gathered to collect supplies for their daily needs.
For residents, the assistance was particularly meaningful because access to clean water support had previously been limited. Maya, a member of the Karya Tani Group in Sukamaju, expressed her gratitude after receiving the water.
“Alhamdulillah, everyone here is so happy to receive this water assistance. We’re really satisfied with the amount provided. Previously, we only received one water container every two weeks,” Maya said.
The situation in Sukamaju demonstrates that clean water shortages are not solely caused by drought but are also closely linked to the accessibility of water sources. As dry conditions persist, access to clean water remains a pressing concern, particularly for communities living in areas with poor road infrastructure.
3,000 Liters of Clean Water for Masbangun Village Residents
In another location, Gemawan distributed 3,000 liters of clean water to residents of Masbangun Village, approximately 30 minutes from Teluk Batang Port. The water was transported and delivered directly to residents to help meet their daily needs during the prolonged drought and hot weather.
The dry season has significantly reduced water availability in Masbangun, affecting various household activities, including bathing. At the same time, purchasing water has not always been an option, as drought conditions have affected many areas across North Kayong.
Sartini, a Masbangun resident, explained that the intense heat and limited water supply have made the assistance especially valuable to her family.
“It’s so hot here that even finding enough water to bathe is difficult. We’re really grateful for this clean water assistance because now our families have water to use,” Sartini said.
Dmitri, a Gemawan activist, noted that widespread drought across North Kayong has made it increasingly difficult for communities to obtain water, even when they are willing to purchase it.
“Even buying water has become difficult because almost every area in North Kayong is experiencing drought,” Dmitri explained.
The distribution of clean water to these two communities provided much-needed support in meeting their basic needs during the dry season.
In Sukamaju, water shortages have been compounded by poor road conditions, which make it difficult for residents to transport water from outside the area. Meanwhile, in Masbangun, families face limited water supplies for household activities amid persistent heat and drought affecting several parts of North Kayong.
As dry and hot conditions continue, communities across North Kayong remain in need of clean water. Continued assistance is particularly important for residents facing limited water sources or difficulties obtaining sufficient supplies for their everyday needs.