Jakarta Faces Threat of Extreme El Niño, DKI DPRD Urges Provincial Government to Prepare for Water and Food Crisis

JAKARTA – The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) predicts the occurrence of an El Niño phenomenon in mid-2026. This condition has the potential to trigger prolonged dry periods that could impact water availability and food supplies in Jakarta. In response, Yuke Yurike, Chairman of Commission D of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, has urged the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to immediately prepare anticipatory measures. According to her, prolonged dry spells could have widespread impacts, from reduced supplies of clean water to disruptions in food security. Therefore, the government is asked to ensure that stocks of essential needs remain secure. “We hope that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has prepared strategic steps, including ensuring that food stocks remain secure. In addition, cooperation with other regions is important in maintaining the supply of people’s essential needs,” said Yuke. Not only the government, Yuke also advised the public to prepare early. Residents are asked to start conserving water use and to pay more attention to household food needs. Tree planting is also considered important for maintaining groundwater reserves during the dry season. “Tree planting is also considered important to help maintain groundwater reserves during the dry season,” she explained. Therefore, coordination between agencies needs to be strengthened. She also warned of an increased risk of fires during the dry season. For this reason, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the Fire Department are asked to increase their readiness.