Thousands of fish wash up in drying Silugonggo River amid severe Indonesian drought

The Silugonggo River in Central Java has turned into a grim tableau of dead fish, as a relentless dry spell has driven water levels to historic lows. Al Jazeera reported that millions of fish have perished, their bodies now littering the exposed riverbed and surrounding fields.

Local residents described the scene as "a river of death," noting that the once‑busy waterway, which supports irrigation and fishing for nearby villages, now resembles a cracked plain. Community members have been collecting the carcasses in an effort to prevent disease, while officials from the provincial disaster agency have dispatched teams to assess the ecological damage.

Indonesia has been grappling with an unusually severe drought that began in early 2026, linked to a strong El Niño event and rising temperatures across the archipelago. The nation, typically known for its abundant rainfall, has seen precipitation drop by more than 30 % in several provinces, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency. Central Java, a key agricultural hub, has been especially hard hit, with rice paddies and other crops suffering from water shortages.

The loss of fish not only signals an ecological crisis but also threatens food security for thousands who rely on river catches for protein and income. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has warned that such die‑offs could depress local markets and push vulnerable households into deeper poverty. In response, the government has announced emergency water‑allocation measures and is exploring short‑term relief, such as distributing feed for surviving livestock and providing cash assistance to affected families.

Experts say the incident underscores the need for long‑term water‑management strategies and climate‑resilient infrastructure. Indonesia's National Climate Change Committee has highlighted the importance of restoring watershed areas and improving irrigation efficiency to mitigate future drought impacts. As the dry season continues, authorities and communities alike are watching the river closely, hoping that the upcoming monsoon will bring enough rain to revive the waterway before the ecological damage becomes irreversible.