When the Long Dry Season Leaves Behind Drought...

"Upstream remains normal. The supply for PDAM is good and they can still draw water. Downstream is dry because the dam gate is closed," he said.

Kompas.com’s observations showed a stark contrast between the upstream and downstream areas of the Sepuluh Gate Dam.

Upstream or in front of the dam, water flow remains abundant and normal, while downstream behind the dam has dried up, revealing soil sediments and trash piles.

The exposed downstream area is even used by local residents for fishing with rods and nets.

Cinere Lake dramatically shrinks

In contrast to the controlled drying downstream of Cisadane, the drought at Cinere Lake has resulted from months of extended dry weather.

During a site inspection on Monday, Kompas.com found that water no longer covers the lake, remaining only in the center.

The receding water has exposed the lake bottom, which has dried and cracked extensively.

The lake’s edges are beginning to sprout wild grasses.

Fani, a resident of RT 04 RW 04, said Cinere Lake’s water started receding three to four months ago.

"It’s been a while, about 3-4 months. Usually, it’s full of water," Fani said near an UMKM (small-scale business) stall by the lake on Monday.

According to her, the lake’s water decline is due to the prolonged dry season.

She also commented that this year's dry season is worse than previous years.

"This one is really the worst heat. The recent rains didn’t have much effect because they were so brief," she added.

Cinere Lake had previously dried up around 2022 or 2023, but the situation then was not as severe.

"So about four years ago, it dried up like this too. This is the second time. Back then, even though it dried up, there was still some water and the soil was muddy — not as dry as now. This might be the worst," she said.