Antara News·Indonesia·Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 12:49 PM

Indonesia boosts health preparedness as El Niño persists into 2027

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Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie, Katriana

The impact of El Niño on drought in Indonesia will end with the onset of the rainy season,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health continues to monitor developments and strengthen national preparedness to address health risks associated with the El Niño climate phenomenon, while enhancing protective measures in regions based on their respective levels of risk.

"El Niño is not only a weather and climate issue, but also affects public health through limited access to clean water, rising temperatures, forest and land fires, deteriorating air quality, and potential disruptions to food security," Ministry of Health spokesperson Widyawati said here on Thursday.

She said the Ministry of Health would continue to monitor developments and strengthen public health protection measures according to the level of risk in each region.

To reduce potential health risks, the public is advised to take preventive measures, including wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities, particularly when air quality reaches unhealthy levels. People are also advised to regularly monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and increase their water intake to prevent dehydration caused by rising temperatures, she said.

Anyone experiencing shortness of breath or other health problems is advised to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.

The Ministry of Health also urged the public to remain calm, be selective about information, and not be easily influenced by rumors or reports whose accuracy has not been verified.

People are encouraged to follow weather updates from authorized agencies and refer to official health information issued by the Ministry of Health and local governments.

"People do not need to panic, but they should remain vigilant. Protect yourself, protect your family, and protect the most vulnerable members of society," Widyawati said.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has said the threat of drought in Indonesia is expected to end as the rainy season begins between October and December 2026, although the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean is projected to persist through the first quarter of 2027.

BMKG Deputy for Climatology Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan explained at a press conference here on Tuesday (Sept. 22) that the public needs to distinguish between the global El Niño phenomenon and its impacts on climate conditions in Indonesia.

"The impact of El Niño on drought in Indonesia will end with the onset of the rainy season, which will begin gradually in October, November, and December, although the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific is predicted to persist until the end of the first quarter of 2027," he said.

Sopaheluwakan explained that El Niño is a sea-surface temperature anomaly centered in the Pacific Ocean. It has a long-duration cycle and affects various parts of the world in different ways.

In Indonesia, the main impact of El Niño is reduced rainfall. The prolonged dry season will end once monsoon wind circulation enters the Indonesian region and triggers the formation of rain-bearing clouds.

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