El Nino Potential Strengthens by Mid-Year

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reports that as of the end of May 2026, 200 zones or approximately 11.83% of Indonesia's land area have entered the dry season.

At the same time, BMKG continues to monitor the development of the El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to occur by mid-year.

BMKG's Deputy for Climatology, Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan, explained that information on the dry season in Indonesia is compiled based on the zone of the season, which is an area with relatively homogeneous rainfall patterns.

Ardhasena added that the determination of the start of the season uses the normal rainfall reference period of 1991-2020.

Based on rainfall characteristics, Indonesia is divided into three main rainfall patterns: monsoonal, equatorial, and local or anti-monsoonal.

BMKG has urged local governments and communities, especially in areas that have entered the dry season, to be vigilant against potential impacts such as drought, disruptions to the agricultural sector, reduced water availability, and increased risk of forest and land fires.

Updated climate information is expected to serve as a reference for governments and stakeholders in preparing anticipatory and mitigation measures, thereby minimizing the impact of the dry season.