The Indonesian government is closely monitoring water levels at a number of dams to watch for water shortages during the ongoing dry season.
“Based on our monitoring at the Jatiluhur, Cirata and Saguling dams, water supplies are normal,” Water Sources Director of the Public Works Ministry Arie Setiadi Moerwanto said here on Saturday.
The government, in mid-August 2013, reported that the conditions of 15 large dams were normal, while one large dam was in critical condition.
Officials also said conditions at 42 smaller dams were normal, though nine others were critical.
Indonesian officials have predicted there will be adequate water supplies during this year`s dry season, he said.
In the event of a drought, the ministry has reminded farmers to maintain their planting schedules and efficiently use water for irrigation and put in place water-efficient practices.
The government also distributes water pumps, repairs and maintains existing reservoirs, as well as puts in place new rain water collection technologies.
Of the country`s 3.9 trillion square metres of raw water, only 14 billion square metres are managed through the nation`s reservoirs.
