BMKG Warns of Severe Drought Due to 2026 El Niño: Prepare for a Dry and Prolonged Dry Season

BMKG urges everyone to be prepared for the 2026 dry season, which is expected to be much drier and longer than normal due to the effects of El Niño.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a warning for the upcoming dry season, citing the potential impact of El Niño on Indonesia's weather patterns.

In a meeting with the Governor of West Java, BMKG Director Teuku Faisal Fathani warned that the dry season this year is expected to be much drier than normal, with the peak drought season expected to occur in August and September 2026.

Faisal explained that the potential for El Niño in 2026 has been mapped by BMKG since March and was reinforced by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on June 2, 2026.

As of the end of May, the ENSO index had reached +1.0, confirming the El Niño, and 28% of Indonesian territory had already begun to dry out.

Specifically, in West Java, the dry season is expected to arrive earlier, last longer (lasting 3 to 7 months), and be drier than normal, with below-average rainfall.

Faisal also commended the provincial government of West Java for supporting early warning systems through the procurement of integrated weather radar.

This collaboration is expected to maximize mitigation efforts, ensure water supply, and safeguard national food security.