Indonesia ramps up irrigation and rice reserves ahead of 2026 El Niño

Perum Jasa Tirta II (PJT II) is strengthening water‑irrigation supplies for the Pantura region of West Java as the peak dry season expected in August 2026 approaches. The company reported delivering 231.33 m³/s of irrigation water in May, surpassing its target of 185.52 m³/s, to support planting activities across Purwakarta, Karawang, Bekasi, Subang and Indramayu.

The Ministry of Public Works has launched a nationwide program to mitigate El Niño impacts, including deep‑well drilling and the expansion of tertiary irrigation networks for rice fields and plantations. Priority areas such as Gunungkidul in Yogyakarta and parts of East Nusa Tenggara are receiving new wells and coordinated task‑force oversight.

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) said Indonesia’s rice stockpile stands at 5.2‑5.3 million tonnes, the highest level in history, enough to meet domestic demand through the end of 2026 and into mid‑2027. Distribution of the reserve continues, with over 1 million tonnes already allocated for food assistance and emergency response.