kemarau

Kemarau is the Indonesian term for the dry season, a period of reduced rainfall and higher temperatures that occurs in tropical climates such as Indonesia and parts of Southeast Asia. The length and timing of kemarau vary by region; in Java, Bali, and most of Sumatra the dry spell typically lasts from May to September, while in eastern Indonesia it may start later and extend into October. The dry season is commonly linked to the annual monsoon cycle and can be amplified by climate variability such as El Niño events.

The pattern of kemarau is influenced by large-scale atmospheric circulation and seasonal monsoons, with regional differences in onset and duration. Interannual climate variability can intensify or shorten the dry period, affecting rainfall reliability and water availability. In years with prolonged or intense kemarau, rivers and reservoirs may fall to low levels, impacting agriculture, hydropower, and urban water supply.

Impacts of kemarau include water scarcity for households, agriculture, and industry; reduced river and groundwater levels; stress on crops, particularly rainfed and drought-sensitive varieties; and increased risk of peat and forest fires, which can cause regional haze and air quality issues. Ecosystems may experience drought stress, with effects on vegetation and wildlife.

Mitigation and adaptation efforts focus on improved water resource management, efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and better forecasting and early warning systems. Land-use planning, forest and peatland protection, and community preparedness are also important to reduce vulnerability during prolonged dry spells.