Enviro News Asia, Penajam Paser Utara — The Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) East Kalimantan Chapter has provided a 5,500-liter water tank and funding support for clean-water distribution to residents of Sotek Urban Village, Penajam Paser Utara (PPU), who have been affected by prolonged drought.
The assistance was delivered on September 24, 2026, as residents continue to face difficulties securing clean water amid an extended dry season. Local water prices have reportedly reached Rp70,000 to Rp80,000 per 1,000 liters, placing additional pressure on household expenses.
The aid was received by Sotek Urban Village Head Dalle Roy Bastian, accompanied by local government officials and Muslimin, head of neighborhood association RT 15.
APHI East Kalimantan Chapter Chairman Asrul Anwar said the assistance represented the forestry sector’s social responsibility toward communities living around its operational areas.
“This activity is a concrete expression of APHI East Kalimantan’s concern for communities facing difficulties due to the prolonged drought. We hope the water tank and clean-water distribution support can help ease the burden on Sotek residents, particularly in meeting their daily water needs,” Asrul said.
He added that the forestry sector’s responsibility extends beyond forest conservation and includes supporting communities when they face challenges requiring collective action.
The 5,500-liter tank is expected to provide residents with additional storage capacity, allowing clean-water distribution to be managed more regularly. Meanwhile, funding support for water delivery is intended to help maintain supplies for residents over the next month without further increasing their household expenses.
Sotek Urban Village Head Dalle Roy Bastian welcomed the assistance, saying access to clean water had become one of the most pressing issues for residents during the prolonged dry conditions.
APHI East Kalimantan said it hopes cooperation among businesses, local governments, village authorities and communities can continue to strengthen in responding to climate-related impacts, particularly drought and the risk of forest and land fires.
The organization also emphasized the importance of coordinated community support as dry conditions continue to affect parts of East Kalimantan. (*)
