Government Strategy to Face El Nino Threat

The government is deploying ground and air task forces, optimising weather modification operations (OMC), and preparing water security strategies to prevent drought and forest and land fires (karhutla). Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said the measures were decided in a limited meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, 28 July 2026. The meeting was attended by the Red and White Cabinet, the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police Chief, and heads of relevant agencies. According to AHY, the government is anticipating an increased risk of forest and land fires in several regions that are historically prone to hotspots. Based on mapping by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), areas requiring attention include Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. “We want to ensure that the government is also ready with task forces, both ground and air, including by carrying out weather modification operations,” AHY said in a written statement. He explained that weather modification operations are not only directed at helping to extinguish hotspots but also at maintaining water availability in dams, reservoirs, and lakes to keep them secure during the dry season. The government also plans to increase the effectiveness of OMC through the use of new technology. AHY said the use of drones and other technologies is being considered to improve the efficiency of the operations. “The OMC methodology is increasingly developing. Not only using conventional methods, but also utilising technological developments such as drones to be more effective and efficient,” he said. In addition to strengthening preparedness for forest and land fires, the government is also preparing a long-term strategy to strengthen national water security. AHY said Indonesia faces the challenge of water availability inequality because some regions experience a surplus while other areas are prone to drought. Therefore, the government is developing several schemes such as seawater desalination for archipelagic regions, brackish water purification, and the utilisation of other water sources tailored to the characteristics of each region. AHY said the government will continue to rely on risk mapping conducted by BMKG and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as a basis for mitigation in facing extreme weather. He said the anticipatory measures are not only focused on water shortages but also on preventing the spread of forest and land fires. “President Prabowo Subianto is very concerned and has given tactical directives to all ranks so that everyone is ready, including regional governments,” AHY said.