DKI Prepares Aid for Food-Producing Regions if Affected by El Niño

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo stated that his administration is preparing aid for food-producing regions as a mitigation measure if they are affected by the El Niño phenomenon, predicted to occur from April to September. “Of course, if there are issues with El Niño and it impacts those regions, the DKI Jakarta Government will provide assistance, one of which is, for example, pumps and so on. Why is this done? To keep food production stable,” said Pramono during a statement at City Hall on Friday. Pramono mentioned that a special discussion regarding the potential impacts of El Niño has already been conducted within the internal ranks of the DKI Provincial Government. The regions that will receive aid are those that have previously collaborated to meet the capital’s food supply. Pramono acknowledged that Jakarta, as a consumptive area, still relies on supplies from other regions to meet food needs, including rice and other major commodities. Therefore, production stability in partner regions is very important. In addition to maintaining domestic food production, the DKI Provincial Government is also strengthening imported food stocks. For meat commodities, Pramono has approved an increase in live cattle imports assigned through the regional-owned enterprise Dharma Jaya. “I have already approved Dharma Jaya to add imports of cattle from Australia, which previously sent around 3,000; this time, from a target of 7,500, I allow it to be brought in immediately,” revealed Pramono. According to him, the availability of stocks in Jakarta must be ensured in advance to avoid supply disruptions. “It’s better to have the stocks in Jakarta rather than still having to wait outside,” said Pramono.