TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has begun preparing anticipation measures to counter the threat of El Nino, which is expected to coincide with the dry season. The government is mobilizing ground and air task forces, optimizing weather modification operations (OMC), and preparing water resilience strategies to prevent drought and forest and land fires (karhutla).
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) stated that these measures were decided in a limited meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The meeting was attended by the members of the Red and White Cabinet, the Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Chief of National Police, and the heads of relevant institutions.
According to AHY, the government is anticipating the increased risk of karhutla in several regions that have been prone to wildfires. Based on the mapping by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), areas that need attention include Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan.
"We want to ensure that the government is also prepared with task forces, both ground and air, and by implementing weather modification operations," AHY said in a written statement quoted on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
He explained that weather modification operations are not only aimed at assisting in extinguishing wildfires but also at maintaining water availability in reservoirs, dams, and lakes to ensure their safety during the dry season.
The government also plans to enhance the effectiveness of OMC through the utilization of new technology. In addition to conventional methods, AHY stated that the use of drones and other technologies is being considered to improve the efficiency of the operation.
"The OMC methodology is advancing. Not only employing conventional methods but also utilizing technological advancements such as drones to make it more effective and efficient," he said.
In addition to strengthening preparedness for karhutla, the government is also preparing long-term strategies to enhance national water resilience. AHY stated that Indonesia faces challenges of unequal water availability, as some regions experience a surplus while others are prone to drought.
Therefore, the government is developing several schemes such as sea water desalination for island regions, brackish water purification, and the utilization of other water sources tailored to the characteristics of each area.
AHY said that the government will continue to rely on risk mapping conducted by the BMKG and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as the basis for mitigating extreme weather.
He mentioned that the anticipation measures are not only focused on water scarcity but also on preventing the spread of forest and land fires. "President Prabowo Subianto is deeply concerned and has tactically directed all levels to be prepared, including local governments," AHY said.
Read: Prabowo Reviews Disaster Plans as El Nino Hits Earlier Than Expected
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