The Bengawan Solo River, the longest river on Java Island stretching over 600 kilometers, has suddenly experienced drought, shocking many. This phenomenon raises a major question: is this drought purely due to natural changes, or has human activity contributed to the drying up of this river, which serves as a lifeline for millions?
Causes of the Bengawan Solo Drought
Experts and environmental researchers have identified several key factors contributing to the drought in Bengawan Solo:
1. Global Climate Change
Extreme climate change has disrupted weather patterns in many regions, including Indonesia. The El Niño phenomenon, which reduces rainfall in Java, is strongly suspected to be one of the main causes of the declining water flow in Bengawan Solo. With less rainfall, the river’s water supply is becoming increasingly scarce.
2. Overexploitation of Water Resources
Aside from natural factors, excessive water extraction for industrial, agricultural, and household needs has also significantly contributed to the decline in Bengawan Solo’s water volume. Thousands of hectares of farmland in Central and East Java rely on water from this river. When water usage is not properly regulated, the river loses its ability to maintain a stable flow.
3. Deforestation and Land Use Changes
In the upstream areas of Bengawan Solo, land clearing for agriculture and plantations reduces the soil’s ability to absorb rainwater. When forests, which function as natural water catchment areas, are cut down, rainwater no longer gets stored in the soil but instead flows directly into the river in large amounts during the rainy season, causing floods, but quickly disappears in the dry season, leading to drought.
4. Sedimentation and Pollution
Sedimentation caused by soil erosion along the river reduces Bengawan Solo’s capacity. Additionally, pollution from industrial and household waste further exacerbates the river’s condition. Toxic waste dumped into the river not only contaminates the water but also accelerates the silting process.
Impacts of the Bengawan Solo Drought
The drought has widespread effects on society, the environment, and the economy:
1. Clean Water Crisis
Millions of residents living along the Bengawan Solo River depend on it for daily needs such as drinking, bathing, and washing. With the river drying up, many people are forced to seek alternative water sources, which are not always easy to find.
2. Disruptions to Agriculture and Fisheries
The agricultural sector is among the most affected. Farmers struggle to irrigate their fields, potentially leading to crop failure and impacting food security. Meanwhile, the inland fisheries sector that relies on water from Bengawan Solo also suffers significant losses due to the disappearance of water sources.
3. Loss of Biodiversity
Bengawan Solo is home to various species of flora and fauna. With the decreasing water levels, species that depend on this river are at risk of losing their natural habitat. Some local fish species found only in this river also face extinction.
Solutions and Mitigation Efforts
Addressing the Bengawan Solo drought is not an easy task, but several steps can be taken to mitigate its impact and prevent similar occurrences in the future:
1. Forest Conservation in the Upstream Area
Reforestation or replanting trees in upstream areas can help maintain ecosystem balance and increase the soil’s ability to absorb rainwater. This way, water can be stored in the soil for longer and gradually flow into the river.
2. Sustainable Water Resource Management
The government needs to enforce stricter regulations regarding water extraction from Bengawan Solo. Water use for industries and agriculture must be controlled through more efficient systems, such as water-saving irrigation technology.
3. River Normalization and Pollution Control
Rivers that have silted up due to sedimentation need to be normalized through planned dredging. Additionally, stricter monitoring of waste disposal into the river is essential to maintain Bengawan Solo’s water quality so that it remains usable.
The drought affecting the Bengawan Solo River is a combination of natural changes and human activity. Climate change, water exploitation, deforestation, and pollution are the main factors accelerating this crisis. If not addressed promptly, this drought could become a serious threat to the millions of people who depend on this river. Therefore, collective awareness from society, the government, and the industrial sector is needed to preserve Bengawan Solo so that it continues to flow as a source of life for Java Island.
