President Jokowi Prepares Steps to Overcome Drought

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - President Jokowi is preparing a number of steps to overcome the drought that occurred in some parts of Indonesia.

"I ask all ministers and related institutions and governors to really look at the conditions that exist in the field and immediately take measures to mitigate this drought," said President Joko Widodo in the opening of a limited meeting (ratas) in the Office of the President of Jakarta , Tuesday (9/12/2017)

The Ratas discussed "Drought Disaster Prevention" which was attended by among others the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Agrarian and Spatial / Head of National Land Agency Sofyan Djalil, Minister of National Planning and Development (PPN) / Head of Bappenas, Bambang Brodjonegoro.

In addition, a number of other is Ministers of Working Cabinet plus East Java Governor Sukarwo and Central Java Governor Gandjar Pranowo.

The President claimed to have received reports from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency that drought in Indonesia in 2017 is not like 2015 when El Nino happens.

"However, some areas have not experienced rain water in succession more than 60 days, more than 2 months even some areas in Java is currently experiencing the peak of dry season and according to BMKG report that the rainy season in most areas, November or late October 2017 " said the President.

Long-term and short-term measures are prepared in advance.

"The short-term step I am asking for is definitely the help of 'dropping' clean water for people affected by drought and I also ask to be checked on the water supply for the much needed agricultural arigation especially to irrigate agricultural lands in affected areas," added President.

While the long-term step is to function a variety of dams, reservoirs and embung that have been built in the last two years are indeed prepared to face the drought situation.

"I also ask for anticipation availability of food stocks in some areas so as not to experience scarcity and price stabilization can be maintained," added the President.

Not to forget the President also expects the vigilance associated with forest fires in the dry season.

"Once again I leave a message that we are not unaware to prevent and anticipate the occurrence of forest and land fires, especially in peatlands such as in 2015," said the President, confirmed.