EN.malanginspirasi.com – East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has issued strategic directives to all regents and mayors in response to the latest forecast from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The agency projects a prolonged dry season across East Java from April to August 2026.
Through Governor’s Letter No. 500.6.1/10499/110/2026, the East Java Provincial Government has officially declared a “standby” (siaga) status. The instructions focus on early mitigation measures to protect agricultural production despite a sharp decline in rainfall.
“We cannot wait for impacts to occur before taking action. Agricultural output must be maintained so that East Java’s food security remains strong,” Governor Khofifah stated at Gedung Grahadi on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
The governor’s directive highlights three key actions:
1. Formation of Drought Brigades in every regency and city to conduct real-time field monitoring.
2. Optimization of water infrastructure, including water pumping, pipeline installation, and rehabilitation of village reservoirs (embung) to ensure continuous irrigation supply.
3. Intensified farmer education by agricultural extension officers to encourage the adoption of short-duration (genjah) and drought-resistant crop varieties.
These steps follow coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia. The provincial government has also mobilized synergy with the Forkopimda regional leadership forum — including the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) — as well as farmer groups to strengthen on-the-ground implementation.
Governor Khofifah emphasized that food security forms the bedrock of the province’s resilience.
“Food security is the foundation. We must ensure East Java remains the national food granary, even under challenging climate conditions,” she concluded.
The instructions are expected to prevent early disruptions in food production chains, stabilize market prices, and maintain East Java’s position as the country’s leading rice producer despite the extended dry season.
