Gov’t Prepares for Potential El Niño, Monitors Economic Impact of Volcanic Eruption

The Government continues to prepare for the potential El Niño phenomenon while monitoring the impact of volcanic eruptions on community activities and the economy.

The issue was among the topics discussed at a limited cabinet meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto with relevant officials at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday (09/07).

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the Government had discussed preparations for the potential El Niño phenomenon and a range of public assistance programs for the public. The discussion formed part of efforts to ensure that people’s needs continue to be met amid the potential effects of climatic conditions.

“We discussed preparations for the potential El Niño phenomenon, including the assistance programs that have been prepared for this year,” Airlangga said in his statement.

Airlangga also said that rice assistance waws among the measures discussed. He explained that the program, which had been provided through September, would be extended for a further three months in accordance with the President’s directive.

“This includes rice assistance totaling 30 kilograms through September. The President has directed that the program be continued for the following months: October, November, and December,” Airlangga said.

Meanwhile, the Government continues to monitor the impact of volcanic eruptions on economic conditions in affected regions. This monitoring aims to identify sectors experiencing disruptions and ensure that response measures are adjusted in line with the latest developments.

“First, there will inevitably be an economic contraction in the affected areas, and we are still monitoring the impact on programs across the various provinces,” Airlangga explained.

The Government also assessed the impact of eruptions at several volcanoes on public mobility and economic activities. Airlangga said the Government was monitoring the effects of eruptions at five to six volcanoes across Indonesia, particularly the sharp decline in community activity in affected areas.

“We are also monitoring the impact of eruptions at five or six volcanoes across Indonesia, particularly because community activities in the affected areas have declined significantly,” he continued.

In addition to disrupting community activities, disasters also affect the logistics sector. The Government continues to monitor these conditions, including their impact on aviation, which is closely linked to cargo transportation.

“Logistics will certainly be affected. The aviation sector has already experienced disruptions, as air transport is also closely linked to cargo transportation,” Airlangga said.

Furthermore, Airlangga said the Government would continue to monitor the situation, including assessing how long aviation-sector closures or restrictions would need to remain in place.

“We are still monitoring how long this needs to remain closed,” Airlangga concluded.

Through these measures, the Government seeks to strike a balance between responding to the impacts of disasters, protecting communities, and ensuring the continuity of economic activity and the distribution of essential goods across regions. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/MEP)