Indonesia forecasts delayed wet season, farmers brace for impact
PUBLISHED Sep 22, 2026, 6:04 AM ET
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Indonesia expects a shorter rainy season starting in November due to an enduring El Nino weather pattern lasting into early 2027, the weather agency announced on Tuesday. Agency chief Teuku Faisal Fathani stated that 61 percent of the country will experience delayed rainfall following an extended dry season that fueled intense wildfires. The meteorological agency advised the agriculture sector to adjust planting schedules and select drought-resistant crop varieties with shorter growing cycles to mitigate weather risks. Key agricultural outputs face significant disruptions next year. Cocoa farmers reported a 15 percent drop in bean production during peak months due to drought, while sugarcane harvests anticipate late planting and reduced yields following previous output drops. Rice output may fall by 10 percent due to vulnerable irrigation infrastructure, and palm oil exports are projected to decline between two and eight percent in 2027.
By Haya | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- On September 10 2025 Super El Nino weather drove up regional seasonal temperatures significantly.
- On November 15 2025 Extended dry season contributed to intense nationwide Indonesian wildfires.
- On December 20 2025 Agricultural groups reported early signs of severe crop stress.
- On January 10 2026 Drought conditions began impacting early-stage regional cocoa bean production.
- On February 14 2026 Sugarcane farmers noted substantial drops in average seasonal output.
- On March 22 2026 Paddy field vulnerabilities prompted urgent warnings from agricultural officials.
- On July 15 2026 Cocoa bean harvest volumes dropped significantly during peak months.
- On September 15 2026 Weather agency confirmed El Nino pattern remains strongly active.
- On September 22 2026 Agency chief Teuku Faisal Fathani announced delayed wet season.
- On September 22 2026 Officials advised farmers to select short-cycle drought-resistant crops.
- Coming months will bring delayed rainy season arrivals across most regions.
- Coming year will likely see reduced national agricultural export yields.
- Coming years may feature prolonged climate disruptions affecting regional food supplies.
News Intelligence
- Immediate US impact: Higher import costs for chocolate and palm oil in US markets.
- Possible long-term US impact: Increased global commodity prices and tighter international agricultural supply chains.
- Most affected groups: Indonesian farmers, agricultural exporters, commodity investors, and global consumers.
- Reader priority: Monitor verified meteorological reports and official global commodity market updates.
- Articles Published:
- 42
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 4
- Neutral:
- 37
- Distribution:
- Left 10%, Center 88%, Right 2%
Left: Highlighted climate change impacts and vulnerable agricultural worker livelihoods. Center: Reported official meteorological agency forecasts and commodity yield impacts neutrally. Right: Emphasized market economic consequences and global agricultural export supply risks.
Weather agency chief announced delayed rainy season on September 22 2026. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-forecasts-delayed-wet-season-farmers-brace-impact-2026-09-22/
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Climate patterns push Indonesia toward severe agricultural shortfall
New York Times Washington Post NPR Climate Change ReportFrom Center
Indonesia forecasts delayed wet season farmers brace for impact
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