Gemawan, in collaboration with BOICE Indonesia, distributed 8,000 liters of clean water to communities in Teluk Batang, North Kayong Regency, on September 21, 2026. The assistance was provided to Gemawan’s partner communities and nearby residents facing water shortages caused by a prolonged dry spell.
The distribution followed Gemawan’s assessment of conditions on the ground, which identified access to clean water as an increasingly urgent concern for Teluk Batang residents. The water was transported by tanker truck and transferred into storage tanks, where residents collected it using jerry cans and water containers to meet their daily needs.
“A total of 8,000 liters of clean water was secured for our partner communities and surrounding residents in Teluk Batang,” said Dmitri, a Gemawan activist.
North Kayong Regency recorded the longest consecutive dry spell in West Kalimantan, reaching 84 days without rain as of September 20, 2026. According to monitoring by the West Kalimantan Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the record was observed in Teluk Batang Subdistrict and classified as extreme.
For Gemawan, these conditions demonstrate that the prolonged dry spell in Teluk Batang is no longer simply a matter of changing weather patterns. The extended period without rainfall has directly affected the availability of water sources that residents depend on for their daily needs.
The situation is particularly concerning because access to clean water is essential not only for drinking but also for other basic needs, including cooking, bathing, and maintaining household hygiene. These circumstances prompted Gemawan to prioritize clean water assistance in Teluk Batang.
Fitriyani, Chairperson of the Srikandi Teluk Batang Group and the Karya Srikandi Mandiri Cooperative, said that the shortage of clean water has become a serious challenge for local residents.
“Clean water is difficult to find here in Teluk Batang. Even when water is available, it is salty. So we are very grateful whenever we receive clean water,” Fitriyani said.
Muhammad Faris, a representative of the Teluk Batang Village Secretariat, shared similar concerns. He explained that the dry spell, which has lasted for approximately two months, has caused water sources throughout the area to dry up.
“We have been experiencing drought for the past two months, and practically all water sources in Teluk Batang have dried up. We are very grateful for this assistance because it directly benefits residents and helps meet their daily needs,” Muhammad Faris said.
Monitoring by the West Kalimantan BMKG indicates that most areas across the province have experienced relatively short periods without rainfall, generally ranging from one to five consecutive days. However, conditions in North Kayong Regency, particularly Teluk Batang, have been significantly different, with a much longer dry spell directly affecting residents’ access to clean water.
These contrasting conditions highlight how the impacts of drought vary across different areas. In Teluk Batang, the 84-day period without rainfall has made access to clean water an urgent issue requiring an immediate response.
The clean water distribution is part of the West Kalimantan Forest and Land Fire Charity initiative, which supports communities affected by drought and forest and land fires across several areas of the province.
The need for clean water in affected communities remains ongoing. Those wishing to support residents can contribute through Gemawan’s donation initiative. Funds raised will be used to address the needs of communities experiencing the impacts of drought and forest and land fires.
Written by: Dastin