Rice Fields in Java and South Sulawesi Hit by Drought, Government Steps In

The Ministry of Agriculture has revealed that a number of agricultural centres in Java and South Sulawesi are beginning to experience drought, although the conditions are not yet widespread. Director General of Agricultural Land and Irrigation Hermanto stated that based on the ministry’s mapping, symptoms of drought have started to appear in several areas. “Yes, several points in Java, and then in the east, the South Sulawesi region, there are a few spots that are starting to experience drought,” Hermanto said when met at the Ministry of Agriculture office in Jakarta on Monday (27/7/2026). He also confirmed reports of rice fields in the Jonggol area beginning to dry out, but noted that the condition is still localised and not yet extensive. To anticipate the impact of drought on agricultural production, the ministry is working to distribute water pumps to channel water from the nearest available sources into the fields. In addition, bore wells are being utilised in several locations. “We are trying to help, as long as it is possible, to find the nearest water source that we can channel into the rice fields. In some cases, we are even using drilling, bore wells,” Hermanto explained. Meanwhile, farmers who are beginning to be affected by the drought are urged to report immediately to Field Extension Officers (PPL). The reports will then be coordinated through their respective regions so that handling can be carried out promptly.