Water Crisis in Klitih Jombang, MoSA Assists with Drilling and Provides Ready-to-Drink Water

Jombang, October 30, 2023 -   Drought has become a recurring issue for the residents of Tondowesi, Dusun Klitih, Desa Klitih, Kecamatan Plandaan, Kabupaten Jombang in East Java.

They have no choice but to dig through the rocky terrain and puddles in a nearly dried-up river.

The resident of Klitih can now breathe a sigh of relief. 

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini visited the village and expressed the Ministry of Social Affairs' commitment to finding a solution to the problem.

"This is still a work in progress. It still takes some time, but when I asked, I was told that it would be finished in two months.  I requested that they complete it as soon as possible," Minister Risma stated in front of the residents on Sunday (29/30).

During the drilling process, MoSA, through the Integrated Centre of Soeharso Surakarta, supplied clean water and 10 water tanks, each with a capacity of 2,200 liters.

However, the issue has not been fully resolved yet.   The water from the infiltration well that is currently being consumed contains high levels of salt and calcium. Therefore, it is necessary to find a new source of clean water.

"The water tested there turned out to be high in lime and salt, which is dangerous. It's easy to get kidney failure and if the baby comes from a pregnant mother, the brain can be damaged. That's why we're going to locate other locations. We found a water source at the top, but it's deep, 120 meters," explained Minister Risma.

Minister Risma mentioned her visit to the Tulungagung area, where she encountered numerous children who were unwell.   Upon investigation, it was discovered that the water source utilized by residents contained elevated levels of metals.

Minister Risma emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health of residents over the distance of water sources.

"There will also be water available for drinking, but you can take it here at the mosque. Whether at home or in the tanks, the water is not suitable for drinking.   If it's prepared for consumption, the pipe networks can be quite cumbersome.  Hopefully, it can be done quickly," she explained.

In addition to drilling water sources, Mosa is also preparing for water pumps to supply the water tanks that have been set up.

Meanwhile, Ali Ta'in, the Head of Klitih Village, expressed that the drought in Dukuh Tondowesi was exceptionally severe.

"Certainly, whenever there is a dry season, water is scarce, but this year has proven to be the most severe," Ali stated that around 115 families are impacted in this area.

According to him, the local community began experiencing the effects of the drought in June, leading them to search for water in depleted rivers.

"This assistance from MoSA is the first, previously there was none. Some from BPBD have also only been sent 4 times (clean water) every 2 days," he continued.

He elaborated that the residents' requirements could be fulfilled by utilizing 10 water tanks and a newly established clean water source provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

"The water serves various purposes such as drinking, bathing, washing, and even irrigation," Ali explained.

Similarly, Puji Rahmiwati (32), a resident of Dukuh Tondowesi, shared her experience of enduring the most severe drought since early October.

She had no choice but to search for fresh water in a river located 100meterss away from her home

"If it's dry, look for a river to dig. The distance to the river is 100 meters. Sometimes you dig one meter before there's water. If it's dry, dig again," she explained.

Puji, a farm laborer, mentioned that the drought had also affected her income.

"I used to grow a lot of income from growing tobacco, but now it's a little because of the long dry season so the plants are damaged. Now it's dry so it's hard to find water to drink, let alone make plants," said Puji.

She is optimistic that with support from the Ministry of Social Affairs, she will be able to address the demand for clean water in Tondowesi.

"Hopefully, with the assistance of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Tondowesi area can achieve self-sufficiency in water supply, ensuring an ample amount for bathing, cooking, and washing clothes."   So, there's no need to search for dry rivers," she remarked.

In addition to Jombang, Ministry of Social Affairs has also extended clean water assistance to several other regions in Indonesia affected by El Nino. These include Gunung Kidul, Bogor Regency, and other areas grappling with drought.