Bandung Regency strengthens drought mitigation to anticipate 2026 El Nino

Bandung (ANTARA) - The Bandung Regency Government in West Java is strengthening drought mitigation measures in the agricultural sector to anticipate the potential El Nino phenomenon in 2026 through monitoring and evaluation in vulnerable areas. Regent Dadang Supriatna, in Bandung on Sunday, stated that these steps are aimed at identifying potential vulnerabilities while formulating appropriate handling strategies to maintain the sustainability of agricultural production. “This monitoring is essential to ensure the region’s readiness in facing potential drought, particularly in the agricultural sector that heavily depends on water availability,” he said. The El Nino phenomenon, characterised by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has the potential to reduce rainfall in Indonesia, thereby increasing drought risks, especially in the mid-to-late year. Based on analysis from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the potential El Nino in 2026 needs to be anticipated, particularly during the April to October period. “Synergy between the central and local governments is key in strengthening preparedness to face the impacts of El Nino, especially to maintain the sustainability of agricultural production,” he added. The activity also involves several parties, including representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, the Citarum River Basin Main Agency, and experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, as a form of strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration. As a follow-up, a coordination meeting was held at the regent’s official residence to discuss concrete steps for enhancing collaboration, particularly in land management and irrigation systems.