Mitigating 2026 El Niño, Ministry of Public Works Fills Gajah Mungkur Reservoir to Capacity

The government, through the Ministry of Public Works (PU), is implementing mitigation measures to address the potential prolonged dry season caused by El Niño. The Ministry of PU has begun filling the Gajah Mungkur reservoir in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, up to its maximum capacity. The aim is to irrigate the rice fields below it even if rain does not arrive until October 2026. Dody revealed that the government has long been preparing mitigation steps. “Regarding mitigation against the El Niño disaster, we have actually already started. Now, all reservoirs are being worked on to be filled completely,” he explained. Weather modification is another alternative to reduce the impact of El Niño. The target of weather modification is to induce rain in the upper reaches of reservoirs so that the water can be refilled. The construction of dam infrastructure in various locations predicted to be affected by El Niño is also being expedited. The goal is to control water in several impacted areas. “With this strong rice stock, we are optimistic that we can support the realisation of food self-sufficiency as planned by the government,” stated the President Director of PT Perum Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, on Thursday (9/4/2026). Bulog’s calculations show that rice stocks are sufficient for the next 11 months. “The national rice stock condition is ensured to be safe for the next 11 months. El Niño is estimated to last six months, so insha’Allah our food supply is secure,” Rizal said.