Residents of Simargalih Hamlet Facing Drought, Human Initiative Assists in Distributing 1,200 Liters of Clean Water

Karawang, West Java – Human Initiative, in collaboration with Sahabat Inisiator, distributed 1,200 liters of clean water to areas affected by a prolonged drought in Karawang, West Java. This act of kindness from the “Clean Water Distribution” program by Human Initiative targeted 65 families in RT 16 RW 05 of Simargalih Hamlet, Cikamadu Village, Parung Mulya Subdistrict, Ciampel District, Karawang Regency, West Java Province.

The long-lasting drought that has hit Indonesia since late June 2023 has resulted in severe water shortages, and Simargalih Hamlet in Karawang is among the affected areas.

Inan Mulyana, the Head of RT 16 RW 05 in Simargalih Hamlet, stated that the residents have been struggling to obtain clean water for the past few months. The distribution of clean water provided by Human Initiative in collaboration with Karawang Tanggap Lingkungan (Karawang Environmental Response) is the assistance that the community desperately needs at this time.

“It’s true that my residents here face a major challenge during the dry season, mainly related to clean water. With this assistance, the residents are very enthusiastic and grateful. You can see for yourself that people are lining up,” he said.

Bathing Only Once a Day

The drought that Simargalih Hamlet’s residents are currently experiencing has reached a point where they can no longer meet their basic needs. To this day, residents often fetch water directly from the distant Cisubah River, if there is any water at all. Ani, a mother in Simargalih Hamlet, even mentioned that many residents are forced to bathe only once a day.

“If someone is willing to send water (again) using a tanker truck, please send it and distribute it to the residents. It doesn’t have to be a lot, just as long as there is water for bathing, washing, and cooking,” Ani told Human Initiative volunteers.

The distribution of clean water assistance to Simargalih Hamlet does not occur continuously. Therefore, when clean water distribution aid arrives, many residents queue up to get clean water. Even when it rains, residents are always prepared to bring out containers to collect rainwater.

“When it rains, the people here are busy, taking out everything to collect water. Just yesterday, it was cloudy, everyone was busy, but it didn’t rain in the end,” she said with a laugh.

The 1,200 liters of water provided by Human Initiative and Karawang Tanggap Lingkungan meet the needs of Simargalih Hamlet’s residents. Sadi, one of the residents, expressed gratitude for this water distribution.

“I’ve been having a very tough time because of this water shortage. If water isn’t delivered, it’s difficult to bathe. During these months, water has been scarce. I’m very grateful for this water assistance,” he concluded.