Yogyakarta, 4th February 2026 — For many years, Purworejo Regency has faced limited access to water resources for agricultural irrigation, despite its considerable agricultural commodity potential. Water scarcity has prevented this potential from being utilized optimally. Existing irrigation channels are also unable to meet demand due to higher location than the agricultural land, preventing water from reaching rice fields. This condition increases the region’s vulnerability for declining food security and poses a risk of shortages in staple food supplies.
A study on the detection of deep groundwater potential addressing this challenge, was conducted in the Gintung Sub-Watershed, part of the Bogowonto Watershed, which covers areas of Loano and Purworejo Districts in Purworejo Regency, Central Java. The research aims to identify potential groundwater drilling locations to provide irrigation water sources for paddy fields that frequently experience drought. The study was led by Dr. Sudaryatno, M.Si. from the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and supported by a research team consisting of Prof. Dr. Eko Haryono, M.Si., Dr. Tjahyo Nugroho Adji, S.Si., M.Sc.Tech., Dr. Priyaji Agung Pambudi, S.Pd., M.Si., as well as researchers Heni Wahyu Sartika, Iga Maliga, and Prima Dinta Rahma Syam.
“The identification of groundwater potential is expected to serve as a basis for more targeted and sustainable irrigation water management policies and to strengthen food security for the people of Purworejo,” said Dr. Sudaryatno.
Geologically, the Gintung Sub-Watershed is dominated by andesite rock formations, which have a low capacity to store water, making groundwater availability a significant challenge. To overcome this limitation, the research team applied the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method by overlaying spatial data from various physical environmental parameters. The resulting groundwater potential map was then validated using electromagnetic and magnetotelluric instruments, enabling more accurate identification of potential drilling points.
The AHP-based analysis indicated groundwater potential in the Gintung Sub-Watershed ranges from very low to very high. Although most areas exhibit low potential, zones with good to very high potential were identified in Kalikalong, Kalisemo, Karangrejo, Rimun, and Trirejo Villages in Loano District, as well as Donorati, Sidomulyo, Sudimoro, and Wonotulus Villages in Purworejo District. Field validation conducted at five locations confirmed the presence of groundwater sources with a total discharge of approximately 6 liters per second, capable of supplying up to 51,840 cubic meters of water per planting season.
An irrigation balance analysis in Karangrejo Village shows that the available groundwater supply is sufficient to meet seasonal irrigation needs for approximately 5 hectares of rice fields within the same planting period. Under current hydrological conditions, groundwater potential in the study area is considered adequate to sustainably support agricultural irrigation activities.
Looking ahead, the Bogowonto Micro-Watershed holds significant potential for the development of community-based irrigation systems. Such development must be supported by integrated water management strategies that take into account geographical variability, climate change risks, and the long-term sustainability of water resources. With the availability of sustainable water sources, local farmers are expected to improve crop yields, increase agricultural productivity, and reduce production costs. Through this research, Universitas Gadjah Mada makes a tangible contribution to achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by strengthening sustainable agriculture to enhance regional food security.
Source: Sudaryatno
Editor: Asti Rahmaningrum
Photo: Sudaryatno