Cilacap, C Java (ANTARA) – While many parts of Indonesia continue to experience rainfall as of April, the looming threats of El Niño and an intensified dry season in 2026 have prompted regional authorities to ramp up preparations. In Central Java one of the main rice-producing regions in Indonesia, a forecast of a prolonged dry season has triggered the government and farmers to accelerate the planting season and optimize water resources to ensure food production remains stable and secure. The 2026 dry season is projected to be longer and drier than usual, driven by intensifying El Niño in the Pacific. El Niño is known to suppress rainfall, raise temperatures, and hinder crop growth. With this extended duration, the threat to food security has become a significant concern. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has released its dry season projections as a guide for authorities and farmers. Teguh Wardoyo, head of the Data Services and Information Dissemination ...