TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) has prepared 56 thousand water pump units for the 2026 budget as a national drought mitigation measure. This effort aims to maintain food production amidst the threat of the dry season.
"The pump program is a government strategy to ensure that rice fields continue to receive water supplies so that food self-sufficiency can be maintained," said Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman as quoted from Antara, Monday, July 27, 2026.
He stated that the water pump supply is the quickest solution to anticipate the impact of drought. Therefore, the government continues to expedite the distribution of pumps to various rice production centers that still have water sources.
"I always emphasize that now we need pumping to supply water from the river to the rice fields. Why? It's impossible for us to escape a food crisis if we don't implement this quick solution," Amran explained.
He assessed that the experience of facing El Nino in the past few years has shown that water availability is a determining factor in successfully maintaining food production. Therefore, the provision of pumps is combined with agricultural modernization through the distribution of various agricultural machinery and equipment (alsintan) to enable farmers to increase productivity and adapt to climate change.
The Director General of Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities (PSP) of the Kementan, Andi Nur Alam Syah, stated that the ministry continues to expedite the distribution of pumps to drought-affected areas. The distribution mainly targets rice production centers that still have surface water sources such as rivers, reservoirs, and irrigation channels.
"On the other hand, agricultural modernization through alsintan support is also continuously encouraged by us so that productivity can be maintained and the target of food self-sufficiency can be achieved," Andi said.
He explained that out of the total 56 thousand water pump units prepared in the 2026 budget year, around 11,000 units have been distributed to beneficiaries. Meanwhile, about 20,000 other units are still in the distribution process. This distribution is based on proposals from local governments, especially in areas that are experiencing drought but still have water sources that can be utilized.
According to him, these pumps will be installed promptly to irrigate affected rice fields so that farmers can continue planting and maintain productivity during the dry season.
Furthermore, Andi stated that the success of the water pump program requires active support from local governments. Therefore, local governments are encouraged to identify water sources that can be utilized, so that more rice fields remain productive during the dry season.
Farmers in need of water pump assistance or other alsintan can propose their needs through Field Extension Officers (PPL) or regional agricultural offices according to the applicable mechanisms. All proposals will be verified and prioritized based on the level of need and the conditions of the affected areas.
The recipients of government aid include Farmer Groups (Poktan), United Farmer Groups (Gapoktan), Farm Machinery Service Business (UPJA), and other farmer economic institutions that are registered in the Agricultural Extension Management Information System (SIMLUHTAN) or e-Banper.
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