BOGOR, WEST JAVA — In 2023, Indonesia will experience another long dry spell, causing drought in many areas. El Nino is one of the causes of this long drought. In Indonesia, El Nino can cause reduced rainfall and result in drought in some areas, especially those with arid and semi-arid climates.
This event again moved Dompet Dhuafa and tapped the hearts of donors to help people who have difficulty getting clean water. Through the Water for Life Program, Dompet Dhuafa distributed clean water to residents affected by drought in various areas in Bogor Regency on Friday (8/9/2023). One of the areas that received the benefits of this clean water was Bojong Neros Village, Sukamaju, Cibungbulang, Bogor.
In Cibungbulang District, clean water was distributed at 10 points with 10 water tanks with a capacity of 8000 liters. Water for Life itself is a regular program of Dompet Dhuafa to help communities experiencing water shortages or drought.
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“Alhamdulillah … today Dompet Dhuafa through the environmental program held a clean water distribution, because the conditions were indeed a long drought for this year. The effect of El Nino,” said Ustaz Herman Budianto as General Manager of Environment and Culture Dompet Dhuafa.
The head of the Bojong Neros neighborhood, Ahmad Alpian, explained that the water crisis in his village has been going on for almost two months, because the water in the residents’ wells is only enough for one to two buckets.
“For about two months now, the residents have been experiencing drought. Even if the residents have wells, they can only get one or two buckets. Our capacity is not covered. But, Alhamdulillah, there is Dompet Dhuafa, especially what we are running today, it is very extraordinary and useful, especially for us recipients,” said Alpian.
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During this drought, many people’s daily activities are hampered, such as washing clothes. As a result, people flocked to the Cianten River, which is 3-4 km away from their homes. Not only that, they even hire public transportation to get there.
“If there is no (water), we go to the Cianten River. Every two days we go to the Cianten River to wash clothes, together with the whole village. There are usually two cars, during this drought season,” added Alpian.
Not only distributing clean water, Dompet Dhuafa also collaborates with the Dompet Dhuafa Community Service Agency (LPM) to provide lunch through the Mobile Kitchen Program (Darling). The community was seen enthusiastically queuing for lunch after the Friday Prayer.
“Because if we only rely on water distribution from us, it is still very insufficient. In addition, we also organize a Mobile Kitchen, preparing the consumption here. For now, we are distributing Bogor,” added Ustaz Herman.
During the clean water distribution process in Cibungbulang Subdistrict, the community seemed to be harmonious and helped each other to get clean water.
The problem of drought is currently a concern. Dompet Dhuafa as an organization that cares about the environment has also distributed to various regions. Previously, Dompet Dhuafa had distributed 60 tanks of clean water in the Gunung Kidul area, the slopes of Mount Merbabu. Meanwhile, in Bogor Regency itself, Dompet Dhuafa also distributed clean water in Jonggol and Jasinga.
Salsabila Kholiq, Volunteer Specialist of Dompet Dhuafa, also contributed to the distribution of Water for Life. He also invited all levels of society to work together.
“Honestly, I feel sad, but Alhamdulillah there is Dompet Dhuafa and fellow donors. This is very useful, God willing, it will be amal jariyah. Because of the difficulty of water here, the water they use for ablution is collected again for reuse. So, if they want to wash or bathe, they sometimes have to go down to the river first. Therefore, let’s help and donate to revive villages or villages that are experiencing drought due to long drought,” said Salsha.
Nyai Nuryanah (63), an elderly woman who lives alone in the Bojong Neros Village area also expressed her gratitude for the clean water assistance provided. She was very happy to get clean water, because her elderly condition made it difficult for her to get clean water.
“Water is scarce here, so we go to the shower near the river. Now that the house has been built, the shower is gone. Since my mother has high blood pressure, she can’t get water, so it’s makeshift. Then yesterday my leg hurt. For bathing, that’s enough (pointing to a small gallon), one bucket of paint for three times, you don’t need much. The water from the well is for abdas (ablution), but now it’s so small that I can only get a bucket of paint,” explained Nyai.
“Alhamdulillah, relieved, very grateful. Hopefully Dompet Dhuafa will be given a lot of sustenance. We are also given Alhamdulillah. Blessings … hopefully useful,”continued the middle-aged woman. (Dompet Dhuafa/Anndini/Syafira)