Indonesia is reinforcing its national food reserves amid the threat of an extremely strong El Niño event, dubbed “Godzilla El Niño.” According to the National Food Agency (Bapanas), the government aims to ensure stable food supply and prices in the face of potential weather disruptions.
The phenomenon, potentially intensified by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, is expected to bring a longer and drier dry season across parts of the country. Scientists warn that both climate factors could occur simultaneously starting in April, increasing risks for the agricultural sector.
The government is focusing on building up food reserves, prioritizing domestic procurement to ensure rapid and targeted market interventions if shortages or price spikes occur. As of late March, reserves of key staples, particularly rice, remain sufficient.
Government rice reserves have reached about 4.08 million tons, up nearly 78% year-on-year. Stocks of other commodities—including corn, cooking oil, sugar, meat, and eggs—are also being expanded, with most supplies sourced domestically. Authorities emphasize that Indonesia has not imported feed corn since 2025.
Experts also warn of uneven climate impacts, with drought risks in southern regions and potential flooding in northeastern areas. In this context, authorities and research institutions are calling for early mitigation efforts to minimize risks to agriculture and food security.
It is worth noting that the world is on the brink of a major climate shift that could make 2026 one of the hottest years on record. According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, there is a 62% probability that a powerful El Niño will form in the Pacific as early as this summer. Scientists have already dubbed it “Godzilla” due to its potential intensity. The transition from the La Niña phase to abnormal ocean warming of up to 2°C above normal threatens not only temperature records, but also shifts in hurricane paths and precipitation patterns worldwide.
