Agriculture Minister Guarantees Sufficient Rice Stocks to Face Godzilla El Niño: 4.7 Million Tonnes, Highest Since Indonesia's Independence
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has assured that the national rice stock is in a safe condition even as Indonesia faces the potential of the extreme “Godzilla El Niño” phenomenon in 2026.
“The stock this morning is 4.7 million tonnes, and that is the highest during the independence of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Amran while inspecting the handling of disaster-affected land in Lubuk Alung Subdistrict, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, on Tuesday (14/4/2026), as quoted from Antara.
Amran explained that besides the 4.7 million tonnes of rice stock in Perum Bulog warehouses, there is an additional supply of around 12 million tonnes in restaurants and about 11 million tonnes of standing crops ready for harvest.
He added that the potential drought due to the El Niño phenomenon is estimated to last around six months. With the availability of these stocks, the government is optimistic that national food needs will still be met.
“The drought is six months, so it’s safe, right? That’s the way to calculate it,” said Amran.
Therefore, Amran urged the public not to panic in facing the potential threat of the “Godzilla El Niño” phenomenon. The government is also continuing to strengthen anticipatory measures through various ministries and agencies to minimise its impact on the agricultural sector.
Previously, Deputy for Regional Development at Bappenas, Medrilzam, reminded local governments to be wary of the potential “Godzilla El Niño” predicted to hit Indonesia in 2026.
According to Medrilzam, the warning refers to the views of global meteorology experts regarding the potential extreme climate phenomenon that could have widespread impacts, especially on the agricultural sector.
In addition, Bappenas has also asked local governments to prepare mitigation measures against the risks of forest and land fires (karhutla) and drought that could increase due to the phenomenon.