How Microsoft helped deliver clean water during Indonesia's drought emergency

Read in Indonesian here

Working with Yayasan Rumah Energi and local disaster agencies, Microsoft helped deliver clean water to villages across two regencies during a declared drought emergency.

In August 2026, due to the dry season, declining river levels and reduced irrigation flows disrupted access to water in parts of Karawang and Bekasi regencies. Irrigation channels serving rice fields began to run low, while river levels continued to fall. For families in Karawang and Bekasi, everyday activities such as washing, cooking, and bathing became increasingly difficult because access to clean water was limited.

The regional disaster management agencies (BPBD) of Kabupaten Karawang and Bekasi declared a drought emergency. Fourteen villages in Kabupaten Karawang and thirty-two villages in Kabupaten Bekasi were affected, part of a wider El Nino-driven extended dry season that placed pressure on agricultural land and household water access across the region.

Responding where the need was immediate

Microsoft responded to the emergency by partnering with Yayasan Rumah Energi (YRE) to deliver clean water to affected communities in Kabupaten Bekasi and Kabupaten Karawang, coordinating closely with BPBD Kabupaten Bekasi and BPBD Kabupaten Karawang to identify where support was needed most.

Soon afterwards, 28 water storage tanks, each with a capacity of 5,000 litres, arrived. The tanks were installed in accessible locations where households could easily reach them and filled with clean drinking water, in coordination with local officials who understood which neighbourhoods were under the most strain and village leaders who guided their placement. In total, 140,000 litres of clean water were delivered to 12 villages across the two regencies.

"Thirteen districts in our area have been affected by the drought; the provision of these water storage tanks is very helpful for storing clean water, optimizing its distribution, and ensuring the tanks remain filled." Dodi Supriadi, Kepala Bidang Kedaruratan dan Logistik, BPBD Kabupaten Bekasi.

What clean water changes

Before the tanks arrived, many families spent time searching for water that could be used for daily needs. As traditional water sources became less reliable during the dry season, access to clean water became an increasing challenge. The arrival of a filled tank within walking distance eased that pressure for many households.

"It feels like a dream come true to have water in my home in this time of drought season," said villager in Serang Village, Karawang, West Java.

It is a simple statement that carries a great deal. Having clean water close to home means less time spent collecting it, reduced exposure to unsafe sources, and a welcome return to everyday routines navigating a crisis beyond their control.

Local priorities, shared responsibility

Emergency drought response is most effective when informed by local knowledge and a coordinated response. Before requesting support, BPBD teams in both regencies had already mapped the affected villages and identified priority locations. Yayasan Rumah Energi contributed delivery experience and established community relationships, while village leaders coordinated access so the tanks could be installed where residents could reach them.

"Access to water is an essential need during the dry season. Microsoft's support is making a direct difference while drought conditions continue. The tanks have been distributed according to community needs and made available for shared use." Said Sumanda Tondang, Executive Director Yayasan Rumah Energi.

Since 2025, Microsoft has partnered with Yayasan Rumah Energi to help address water access challenges in communities across Karawang and Cikarang. Following a comprehensive feasibility study, Yayasan Rumah Energi constructed 68 rainwater harvesting tanks in Desa Pasirranji and Desa Cicau in Cikarang, as well as Desa Wanakerta and Desa Wanajaya in Karawang. These systems enable residents to collect, filter, and store rainwater as a reliable source of clean water, particularly during the dry season when water scarcity becomes a significant challenge.

The initiative is especially important in Cikarang and Karawang, where the soil is predominantly clay-based and has poor water absorption capacity, resulting in limited groundwater availability. By capturing and storing rainwater, the harvesting tanks provide communities with a sustainable and affordable source of water, improving household resilience during prolonged dry periods and improving water security for local residents.

Building on this work, Microsoft and Yayasan Rumah Energi plan to continue their partnership next year, expanding access to improved water and renewable energy solutions such as biogas and solar power. ThroAugh investing in sustainable infrastructure and community well-being, the partnership aims to help local communities thrive and become more resilient. This work forms part of Microsoft's Datacenter Community Pledge and reflects its commitment to sustainability, community prosperity, and responsible operations.

"Microsoft and Rumah Energi's support of water tanks is very impactful to residents facing a clean water crisis. We have installed the tanks across three districts, distributed according to need. We hope this assistance will help meet the community's clean water requirements." Said Ferry Muhammad - Kepala Bidang Kedaruratan dan Logistik, BPBD Kabupaten Karawang.

Emergency support cannot prevent the dry season from returning, but it can make an immediate difference when water becomes difficult to access. In Kabupaten Karawang and Kabupaten Bekasi, collaboration between local agencies, community organisations, and private-sector partners helped bring clean water closer to families when they needed it most. The response demonstrated how partnerships built on local knowledge and shared commitment can mobilise quickly to support communities during times of need.

Learn more
* Yayasan Rumah Energi

###

Main image: Residents can once again access water amidst the drought, with the help of Microsoft and the Rumah Energi Foundation.