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🇸🇬 Singapore /Environment & Climate

Indonesia’s Salt Fields Bloom Under Drought From El Nino’s Baking Heat

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Indonesian salt farmers in West Java are benefiting from an El Nino-driven drought, unlike crop farmers.
  • The dry conditions have significantly boosted salt production in the Cirebon regency.
  • El Nino is expected to persist into early 2027, promising continued favorable conditions for salt farmers.

Salt farmers in Indonesia's West Java province are experiencing a windfall thanks to the El Nino-driven drought, a stark contrast to the challenges faced by crop farmers. The prolonged dry season, intensified by El Nino, has created ideal conditions for salt production, which relies on evaporating seawater in shallow coastal ponds. Farmers in areas like Cirebon are harvesting significantly larger quantities of salt compared to previous years.

Dadang Darmawan, head of a local salt farmers' group, described El Nino as a "blessing and a grace," expressing gratitude for the output boost. He noted that salt farmers wish for El Nino's return annually due to the increased yields. Production in Cirebon surged to nearly 600 metric tons in July, a dramatic increase from just 25 to 30 tons in the same month of 2025. With dry conditions predicted to continue through October, the region anticipates a bumper salt harvest.

For us, El Nino is a blessing and a grace. It’s something we should be grateful for.

— Dadang DarmawanDadang Darmawan, head of a local salt farmers’ group, described the impact of El Nino on their production.

This success for salt farmers stands in sharp contrast to the struggles of traditional agriculturalists across Indonesia. The country's weather agency has advised crop farmers to adjust their planting schedules and activities in response to the harsh El Nino conditions. While the salt industry thrives, other sectors of Indonesian agriculture are bracing for a challenging period ahead due to the persistent heat and lack of rainfall.

National salt production saw a decline in 2025 to 1 million tons due to a shorter dry season and a subsequent La Nina pattern. However, Cucu Sutara, head of the Indonesian Salt Users Industry Association, anticipates a significant increase in national production this year, driven by the extended dry weather. The current El Nino event, which has seen over 5,000 hotspots detected nationwide as of July, is expected to persist into early 2027, offering a sustained period of favorable conditions for Indonesia's salt farmers.

Production will definitely increase because the dry weather period is longer.

— Cucu SutaraCucu Sutara, head of the Indonesian Salt Users Industry Association, commented on the expected rise in national salt production.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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