Jakarta – The government continues to strengthen coordination with regional governments to anticipate the potential for drought, which is expected to increase due to the El Nino phenomenon coinciding with the dry season.
Synergy across ministries, institutions, and local governments is a strategic step to maintain food security, clean water availability, and minimize the risk of forest and land fires.
Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian emphasized that all regional heads have been instructed to increase preparedness through coordination with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the agriculture service, the irrigation service, and all stakeholders in the region.
“Regional governments need to immediately strengthen mitigation efforts based on the vulnerability levels of their respective regions. Good coordination will ensure that anticipatory measures against drought, forest and land fires, and agricultural sector disruptions can be implemented more quickly, measurably, and effectively,” said Tito Karnavian.
Similarly, the Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Teuku Faisal Fathani, explained that cross-sectoral preparedness is key in dealing with the impacts of El Nino.
According to him, optimal use of climate information can help central and regional governments formulate appropriate adaptation measures, from water resource management to adjusting cropping patterns.
“The risks of drought, forest and land fires, air quality, and public health need to be anticipated early through strong coordination between the central government, regional governments, and all stakeholders. With strong cross-sector coordination, Indonesia will be more resilient in facing this climate phenomenon,” said Teuku Faisal Fathani.
The government is also continuing to strengthen its early warning system, expand the dissemination of weather and climate information, and optimize water resource management to support the needs of the community and the agricultural sector. These various measures are expected to maintain stable food production and help control regional inflation during the dry season.
The close collaboration between the central government, regional governments, BMKG, BNPB, TNI, Polri, and all elements of society demonstrates a shared commitment to building national resilience in facing climate challenges.
With improved preparedness, Indonesia is optimistic about being able to minimize the impact of El Niño while maintaining sustainable development and community welfare.