Indonesia urges water‑source mapping and infrastructure boost to curb El Nino drought

Deputy chair of the DPR’s Commission IV, Alex Indra Lukman, called on the Ministry of Agriculture to speed up El Nino mitigation ahead of the 2026 dry season. He stressed early‑season actions such as rehabilitating irrigation networks, building reservoirs, bore‑holes and relocating pumps, and accelerating distribution of seeds, fertilizer, equipment and livestock feed to high‑risk areas. Lukman also urged strengthening BMKG‑based early‑warning systems and rapid drought‑risk mapping.

The central government similarly asked provincial and district heads to map all raw water sources, draft contingency plans and ready water‑tankers for quick distribution. Authorities will promote rain‑water harvesting, prepare weather‑modification operations, and boost joint patrols by the army, police and fire‑watch groups to guard against forest‑fire outbreaks. BMKG forecasts low to moderate rainfall (0‑300 mm per month) from July to December 2026, heightening concerns over water scarcity and fire risks.