Indonesia Expands Agricultural Pumping to Mitigate Potential El Niño Drought
Indonesia is strengthening drought preparedness measures as forecasts point to a possible El Niño event in 2026. The government plans to expand agricultural water pumping and reinforce irrigation systems to protect national food production from extended dry conditions. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said the country’s previous experience managing severe El Niño periods has informed current mitigation strategies, which include expanding pumping infrastructure, optimising swampland agriculture and maintaining strong national rice reserves.
Speaking in Makassar, South Sulawesi, the minister explained that Indonesia is preparing for the possibility of an extreme El Niño scenario. According to official reporting, the government is reinforcing water supply systems for farmers to reduce the impact of drought on crop production and safeguard food availability.
Expanding Pumping Capacity to Maintain Agricultural Water Supply
The Ministry of Agriculture plans to optimise the operation of 80,158 water pumps that were distributed to farmer groups in 2025. These pumps are intended to help farmers access water during dry periods and maintain irrigation across key agricultural areas.
In addition, the government is preparing to deploy approximately 40,000 additional pumps to strengthen water access in regions likely to experience prolonged drought. The effort forms part of a broader strategy to stabilise agricultural production even if rainfall drops significantly during the coming months.
“(The possibility of a) ‘Godzilla’ El Niño is said to cause six months of drought. However, it looks like the 2015 El Niño was worse. We have experience in managing it,” — Andi Amran Sulaiman, Agriculture Minister, Indonesia
Alongside increased pumping, the government is also focusing on improving irrigation networks and expanding the use of swampland agriculture. These measures aim to ensure farmland remains productive despite reduced rainfall.
Food Stockpiles Positioned to Buffer Supply Risks
Officials say national food security remains stable, supported by significant rice reserves. Government rice stocks stored in warehouses managed by the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) reached 4.5 million tonnes in early April 2026, the highest level recorded so far.
Beyond government reserves, food availability across the hospitality and catering sector is estimated at 12.5 million tonnes. Meanwhile, standing crops that are ready for harvest are projected to reach around 11 million tonnes.
“This means food stocks for the people are secure for the next 11 months,” — Andi Amran Sulaiman, Agriculture Minister, Indonesia
Building Resilience Through Technology and Planning
Indonesia’s response to climate variability increasingly combines infrastructure investment with broader digital and innovation strategies. Recent initiatives highlighted in Indonesia’s push for smart technology and innovation to support a sustainable future demonstrate how data-driven planning and modern agricultural practices can strengthen resilience across sectors.
More broadly, the government has been strengthening national resilience strategies across multiple policy areas, including digital governance and public-sector preparedness. Efforts such as Indonesia’s work to enhance digital resilience reflect a wider policy approach aimed at improving the country’s ability to anticipate and respond to emerging risks.
With pumping infrastructure expanded and reserves at high levels, authorities say current mitigation measures are designed to ensure Indonesia’s food supply remains stable even if drought conditions intensify later in the year.
