inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. I Gusti Ketut Astawa, Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilization at the National Food Agency (BNN), stated that strengthening food reserves from domestic production is being done to address the potential threat of drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

Astawa confirmed that the government is prepared for this year's El Niño, particularly with stronger government food reserves (CPP) compared to previous years.

"According to the direction of the Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and the Minister of Agriculture, mitigation is our first priority. As soon as we heard about the impending El Niño phenomenon, we were already prepared. Strengthening food reserves is the key," explained Deputy Astawa on Friday (4/3/2026).

According to him, efforts to mitigate potential impacts are crucial ahead of the upcoming dry season.

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) reported that El Niño could potentially hit Indonesia, especially the southern regions of the equator, starting in early May. Regions predicted to be affected by El Niño include Lampung, Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.

Nevertheless, Bapanas ensured that the strengthening of CPP stocks continues in line with the Ministry of Agriculture's efforts to maintain domestic food production on a monthly basis.

Through its extension, the National Logistics Agency (Bulog), the absorption rate equivalent to domestic rice production is being intensively implemented.

"Bapanas has assigned Bulog to absorb unhusked rice to be processed into rice, as a way to strengthen CPP," explained Astawa.

He further stated that the government continues to strive to strengthen CPP stocks, not only for rice but also to increase stocks of corn for feed and cooking oil. These efforts are expected to provide capital for food availability for the upcoming dry season.

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