Politics · Indonesia · 12 hrs ago
Indonesia’s economic council urges food preparations for El Niño and La Niña
Indonesia’s National Economic Council warned President Prabowo that El Niño and La Niña could affect food supplies.
Council chair Luhut shared the advice after a meeting with the president in Jakarta.
The weather patterns can bring drought or heavier rain, affecting crops and raising the risk of floods.
The council recommended preparing food stocks, planning rice-planting schedules and using pumps in areas at risk of drought.
It also urged steps to manage rice reserves and food prices, which council deputy chair Mari Elka Pangestu said often rise during El Niño.
The council also called for preparation against fires and smoke, including health services and masks for affected communities in parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra.
The council said these risks can be anticipated and managed through planning based on data and forecasts.
Indonesia’s National Economic Council recommended preparations for possible El Niño and La Niña effects on food supplies.
The council advised President Prabowo Subianto to prepare food stocks and calculate rice planting schedules.
It also recommended using data to guide planting, preparing pumps for drought-prone areas, and planning for floods.
Council officials warned that El Niño is often accompanied by higher food prices and recommended rice reserves, distribution and market operations.
The council also called for measures to address forest and land fires, including health services in affected areas.
- Who
- Indonesia’s National Economic Council, including Luhut and Mari Elka Pangestu, made recommendations to President Prabowo Subianto.
- What
- The council urged preparations for El Niño and La Niña, including food-stock planning and steps to address drought, floods and food prices.
- When
- The recommendations were discussed on October 20, 2026.
- Where
- At Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
- Why
- The weather phenomena could affect food production and availability, and may bring drought, floods and higher food prices.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mari Elka Pangestu said preparations for El Niño would continue through this period.
Mari Elka Pangestu said La Niña was expected during this period.
The National Economic Council presented its report and recommendations to President Prabowo Subianto after a meeting at Merdeka Palace.
- Meeting date
- October 20, 2026
- Meeting location
- Merdeka Palace, Jakarta
- Food recommendation
- Prepare food stocks and calculate rice planting schedules
- Expected El Niño period
- Through the first quarter of 2026
- Expected La Niña period
- Mid-2026
- Fire-affected areas named
- Kalimantan, South Sumatra, Jambi and Riau
What people are saying
all that can be managed as long as we work together to address it
Food availability and the possibility of floods mean there must be contingency plans for things beyond our control because they are natural events, but they can be predicted.
These are preparations that need to be made based on data and forecasts, especially regarding food.
Almost every El Niño incident is accompanied by an increase in food prices, and this is something we really must anticipate.