Historical background of the Jatigede Reservoir

The Jatigede Reservoir in West Java, Indonesia, is a significant water management project with a lengthy and intricate history. Initial plans for its construction date back to the Dutch colonial era, when the potential benefits of the reservoir for enhancing water supply, irrigation, and flood risk reduction were already recognized. However, despite these early intentions, the project remained unrealized for decades.

In 2008, the initiative was revived as Indonesian authorities highlighted the urgent need to address water-related issues. Construction commenced that year and extended over several years. The Jatigede Reservoir was officially inaugurated in 2015, although it only became fully operational in 2017. It was intended to play a crucial role in regulating water supply in West Java.

The establishment of the Jatigede Reservoir brought about significant changes, particularly for local communities. Several villages were submerged, necessitating the relocation of thousands of residents. This resettlement process posed considerable social and economic challenges. Affected communities were compelled to leave their homes, agricultural lands, and historical ties, leading to long-term impacts on their economic well-being and way of life.

Despite the challenges associated with resettlement, the Jatigede Reservoir is recognized as a vital advancement for regional infrastructure. Its importance in ensuring sustainable water supply and flood management is undeniably critical for the future of West Java.

Life During the Drought Period: Activities of the Residents

The dry season of the Jatigede Reservoir in Sumedang, West Java, presents residents with a unique opportunity to reconnect with their past. Photographs taken in 2018 reveal a range of activities occurring in the resurfaced villages. These temporary returnees are often driven by the desire to recover valuable items and mementos. These treasures not only hold emotional significance but also serve as a link to their former lives and culture, which were disrupted by flooding.

As residents visit their former homes, they embark on a journey of rediscovery. They scour the exposed areas in hopes of finding personal and historical artifacts that were lost during the major flooding years ago. These reconnections with the past highlight a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving cultural identity and history.

Residents demonstrate remarkable ingenuity and adaptability. As water levels in the reservoir decrease, many begin to cultivate the exposed land. These temporarily uncovered areas provide a new opportunity for land use, whether for growing food or other cultivable plants. Such agricultural activities not only reflect farming practices but also signify a determination to survive economically amid challenging circumstances.

Additionally, some community members are developing innovative economic activities. They utilize the exposed villages as gathering places or even temporary markets to offer goods and services. These entrepreneurial efforts and the associated economic activities enhance local resilience against the changing conditions of their environment. The residents' ability to adjust to these new realities showcases their commitment to making the most of current situations and acting with a forward-looking perspective despite all adversities.

The effects of the prolonged dry period and the resurgence of the villages

The prolonged dry season in West Java has resulted in a significant reduction of water levels in the Jatigede Reservoir, leading to a remarkable phenomenon: the re-emergence of ancient villages. This occurrence is primarily attributed to the extended drought, which has drastically lowered the reservoir's water level, revealing previously submerged settlements and structures. This situation not only provides intriguing insights into the region's history but also raises important questions regarding water management strategies and sustainability.

The resurfacing villages serve as a striking testament to the past, allowing for the examination of the architectural and cultural frameworks of former communities. The return of water highlights the remarkable adaptability of the landscape while simultaneously underscoring the challenges faced in water management within such areas. The visibility of these villages presents historians and archaeologists with new opportunities to explore the regional history and its inhabitants.

For the former residents and their descendants, the reappearance of these sites signifies more than mere historical interest. It offers a rare chance to reclaim personal artifacts and mementos that they once believed were lost forever. This can be a profoundly emotional experience, filled with both joy and nostalgia. The recovery of relics and memories historically anchors the descendants to the region, serving as a tangible link to their heritage.

The ongoing drought and the resulting water reclamation highlight the intricate relationship between humans and nature, particularly in the context of resource management. It underscores the need to rethink and adapt modern water management strategies to protect historical treasures while ensuring the future of water supply. These developments serve not only as a reminder of the past but also provide valuable lessons for the sustainable design of the future.