Much Efforts to Search for Water in Dry Season

By Patrisia Jabur.          

Honestly, now I become more aware of the reality of water problems. At first, I knew about water issues but just a little. This concern grew when I participated in the Stube HEMAT Yogyakarta activity which encouraged the participants, including me, to look back all problems related with water, especially in my hometown. I am Patrisia Oktaviani Jabur from the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara province, precisely in the East Manggarai regency. I am studying at the College of Village Community Development 'APMD' Yogyakarta, majoring in Communication Studies.

The article about water problem often occurs everywhere, even in remote areas in Indonesia, one of which is in Ranakolong area, East Manggarai. I found a news with the title “Clean Water Crisis, there is a 'Cans Parade in Ranakolong, East Manggarai” at https://ekorantt.com/2019/11/23/krisis-air-bersih--ada-parade-jerigen-di -ranakolong-manggarai-timur/. This news informed that one of the most common problems experienced by the residents of East Manggarai, especially the residents of Ranakolong Village, is a crisis or lack of clean water. It happened frequently, and even worse during the dry season, the water debit will decrease. During the dry season, the residents have to collect as many water reservoirs as cans to draw water in places that provide water or water sources. To get water, the people must also collect water for daily needs and long-term supplies.

As a resident of a neighboring regency, I have observed that the availability of water in this area could be sufficient if the people there did not cut down trees indiscriminately which resulted in reduced water sources and drought. On the other hand, the government should pay attention to the community in terms of water availability. Based on the news above, I responded that it is normal for the people in Ranakolong Village to complain about water because it is now very difficult to obtain clean water, especially with the limited understanding of the community regarding the process of managing and providing clean water itself, in addition to the slow response of the competent parties in dealing with the problem, faulty pipes or reservoirs.

From this situation, I understand that, first, it is necessary to increase public awareness so that they no longer have forests or trees cut down carelessly because the presence of trees is the main condition for collecting water or springs. Second, the community needs to get socialization the importance of replanting forests that have been cut down, and third, the government must contribute to the availability of water in the Ranakolong Village area by initiating planting trees or preparing a sufficient water reservoir to meet the residents' water needs to avoid water crisis during the dry season.

Awareness about the reality of clean water problems that may occur anywhere, including the area where I come from. Awareness of a problem does not come automatically but needs a lighter to foster awareness that connects a person to the existing social reality and encourages someone to participate in paying attention to their environment. Thank you Stube HEMAT for opening my eyes to see the reality of the water problem. ***