1 jam yang lalu
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture is optimistic that national rice production and availability will remain stable in the face of the potential El Nino, which is predicted to trigger extreme drought in the middle of this year.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono stated that the Indonesian government has taken anticipatory measures since the beginning of the year following early warnings from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
"Currently, we are focused on ensuring production does not decline," Sudaryono said at the National Conference on Regional Economic Development in Jakarta on Monday, May 25, 2026.
He explained that anticipatory measures include pumping, piping, and the construction of drilled wells to ensure land remains arable during the dry season.
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture is also encouraging an increase in the cropping index to optimize the frequency of planting and harvesting throughout the year.
According to Sudaryono, the government is striving to increase the cropping index to approach two plantings and two harvests per year, or IP200.
He stated that the current average national harvest frequency is still below two harvests per year and needs to be continuously improved.
Furthermore, the government is also preparing anticipatory measures to face the worst-case scenario by ensuring national rice reserves remain secure.
Sudaryono stated that rice stocks in Bulog's warehouses currently stand at around 5.3 million tons, plus potential production or standing crops of nearly 12 million tons, and rice stocks among the public of around 12 million tons.
"So, the public's stocks are around 28 million tons. If divided by monthly consumption, our stock is sufficient for around 10.8 months, or almost 11 months," he said.
He is optimistic that the duration of El Nino, which is expected to last up to six months, can still be anticipated with available food reserves.
"So far, our food supplies, especially rice, are sufficient to meet the public's needs," Sudaryono said.
Read: Scientists Warn Super El Nino May Bring Extreme Weather in the US
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
What Anies Baswedan Says on Rupiah Plunge and Its Impact
5 hari lalu
Speaking at UGM, Anies Baswedan warned that the rupiah's historic drop to 18,000 per US dollar directly burdens the public.
Scientists Warn Super El Nino May Bring Extreme Weather in the US
6 hari lalu
The rare Super El Nino is forecasted to develop in the Pacific Ocean later this year. Here's what the Americans are warned.
BMKG Warns of El Nino Impact as Heavy Rain Persists
7 hari lalu
For the week ahead, May 19 to 25, the BMKG has revealed that Indonesia is already in the El Nino condition category.
El Nino Could Trigger Extreme Fires Worldwide in 2026
12 hari lalu
More than 150 million ha burned globally in the first half of 2026. With a high chance of a supercharged El Nino, the second half could be even worse.
Indonesia Boosts Vigilance Over El Nino, Prolonged Dry Season
12 hari lalu
According to the minister, weather data analysis indicates that a low- to moderate-intensity El Nino phenomenon is expected to emerge in June 2026.
Historic Super El Nino Could Trigger Global Weather Chaos
13 hari lalu
A developing El Nino pattern in Pacific Ocean is expected to become one of the world's biggest weather stories heading into the second half of 2026.
WMO Warns El Nino Could Develop as Early as May
17 hari lalu
WMO states that it does not recognize the term 'super-El Nino' but acknowledges that temperature anomalies are rapidly occurring in the Pacific Ocean.
Super El Nino Expected to Form in Later Half of 2026, Researcher Says
21 hari lalu
BRIN Researcher shares updates on the formation of El NIno, which is expected to strengthen by the end of this year.
Banyuwangi Maps 11 Districts Prone to El Nino Drought
28 hari lalu
The Banyuwangi BPBD has mapped 11 sub-districts vulnerable to drought as El Nino triggers a prolonged dry season.
Sunny Days Ahead: Is El Nino Finally Here?
31 hari lalu
Unlike El Nino, the Australian monsoon winds are predicted to continue to strengthen over the next week in Indonesia.
English (US) · 
Indonesian (ID) ·