DEN Meets with Prabowo to Discuss Preparedness for Extreme Climate and Forest Fires

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Vice Chair of the National Economic Council (DEN) Marie Elka Pangestu urged the government to enhance preparedness in facing potential extreme climate changes.

This is critical as she noted that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to continue until the first quarter of 2027 and could be followed by La Niña in mid-next year.

Marie recommended implementing measured anticipatory steps by optimizing the use of weather data and forecasts to identify areas at risk of drought, flooding, and other disasters.

"We suggest utilizing data effectively to identify hotspots that will experience drought, and there should be anticipatory measures in place regarding pump usage, determining the right time to plant—which may need to be postponed due to drought—and anticipating floods and potential disaster impacts," Marie stated after meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (20/10/2026).

During this meeting, DEN also addressed the issue of forest and land fires (karhutla), particularly the impact of haze.

Haze from the karhutla poses a significant threat to public health in several regions of Sumatra and Kalimantan.

In the meeting led by Prabowo, Marie revealed discussions on measures to address ongoing forest fires, including efforts for peatland irrigation.

"But we also advise providing healthcare in the areas most affected, namely three provinces in Kalimantan, along with South Sumatra, Jambi, and Riau," Marie mentioned.

She highlighted six regions that warrant significant attention due to the severe impacts of haze from forest fires: three provinces in Kalimantan, South Sumatra, Jambi, and Riau.

DEN also emphasized the need for targeted health protection measures for communities in these areas.

"These six points are indeed heavily affected by haze from forest fires. How the government can also provide specific healthcare services to those affected, including distributing masks and so on," she explained.

In addition to readiness for extreme weather, DEN stressed the importance of food security.

She underscored the need to maintain price stability and availability of national food supplies.

DEN urged the government to ensure sufficient food reserve stocks, especially rice, while strengthening distribution to anticipate potential supply disruptions.

"And especially regarding food, this is crucial for maintaining food prices and availability by ensuring food reserve stocks, particularly rice," Marie noted.

Furthermore, DEN advised the government to prepare market intervention measures in case of food price volatility amid the El Niño phenomenon.

"And to ensure proper distribution and conduct market operations when necessary. Almost all incidents of El Niño are usually accompanied by rising food prices, which is something we need to seriously anticipate," she asserted.