Gov’t Ensures Food Supply, National Agriculture Infrastructure in Facing El Niño Godzilla

President Prabowo Subianto hosts a meeting with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday, June 18, 2026 (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto summoned Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (06/18). During the meeting, the Government ensured the availability of national food stocks and the preparedness of agricultural infrastructure in facing the potential impacts of the El Niño Godzilla climate phenomenon.

In his statement after the meeting, Minister of Agriculture Amran explained that national rice reserves reached approximately 5.2 million tons by June 2026. He stated that this amount is sufficient to meet national demand for the next few months.

“Then, rice stock for hotels, homes, and restaurants is approximately 12.5 million tons. This means that these reserves will last for the next 10 to 11 months. We assume that [the stock is sufficient] for the next 10 months, which means until April, from July to April,” he added.

In addition to food reserves, Minister Amran stated that the Government has also ensured the readiness of various agricultural infrastructure as a mitigation measure against the risks of El Niño Godzilla. These efforts include the construction of reservoirs, pumped irrigation, deep wells, a pumping program, land optimization, and the creation of new rice fields.

“We’ve built reservoirs, pumped irrigation, deep wells, and pumping stations. We have optimized the land, specifically swampy areas that typically yield one harvest, now two and three harvests. Further, we are continuing with rice paddy development. All of this can mitigate risks. Once again, Insya Allah, food security is guaranteed,” he explained.

In the livestock sector, Minister Amran stated that the Government also continues to maintain stable egg prices through collaboration with various parties, from farmers to the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).

“We immediately called the Head of the BGN and said that if we could adjust our usual egg consumption from one time a week to three times a week, including chicken, then prices would start to go up. We all agreed to that,” he said.

Furthermore, Minister Amran explained that the Government continues to accelerate the downstreaming program in the horticultural sector, including coffee, coconut, and sugar cane. Furthermore, the Government will continue to distribute various forms of assistance to the regions to support accelerated development in the agricultural sector.

“We have already done this with our colleagues in 2025, and we will continue it in 2026 and 2027. The total area allocated for farmers is 870,000 hectares, including Papuan land and all districts in Papua,” he explained.

“We provide aid as much as Rp3.2 trillion there this year, Rp2 trillion last year, for a total of over Rp5.5 trillion. We reported this to the President, and he said to continue this assistance. This is direct assistance to the people. This assistance includes grants, tractors, and rice fields. Several provinces have even requested more rice fields, including West Papua province and others. We are increasing this,” he concluded.

With strong food reserves and continuously strengthened agricultural infrastructure, as well as direct support to farmers, the Government is optimistic that Indonesia will be able to face the threat of El Niño Godzilla while maintaining national food stability and public welfare. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat) (AW/LW)