When the Long Dry Season Leaves Behind Drought...

Idan, a security guard at a housing complex near the lake, said Cinere Lake began drying around June 2026.

He added that a few days of rain recently did little to change the lake’s condition.

"The dry season started in early June. It got hotter, and the water decreased. Then there was rain, if I recall. The rain lasted until 5 p.m., but the water just soaked into the ground immediately. It disappeared again and dried out," Idan said Monday at the lake’s guard post.

Under normal conditions, Cinere Lake’s depth can reach up to two meters.

The dry condition has also reduced the number of residents and visitors who typically enjoy the lake view.

"When there’s water, it looks nice. There are many fish, and lots of people feed them," Idan explained.

"Because of this dry season, it seems like visitors have decreased. There’s not much to see now — just this dry lake," he added.

(Reporters: Thalita Dewanty, Isna Rifka Sri Rahayu)