Situbondo, Indonesia Sentinel — Hundreds of hectares of rice fields in Situbondo, East Java, have been inundated by floods, leaving local farmers at risk of severe crop failure. The flooding, which lasted from February 3 to February 5, 2025, has submerged approximately 680 hectares of farmland across five districts, including Kendit, Panarukan, Kapongan, Mlandingan, and Bungatan.
According to Dadang Aries Bintoro, Head of the Situbondo Agriculture and Food Security Agency, most of the affected rice crops were nearing harvest, with farmers expecting to collect their yields in March. However, prolonged submersion could render the crops unsalvageable.
“Floodwaters have affected vast areas in Kendit, Bungatan, and Mlandingan, placing hundreds of hectares of rice paddies at high risk of total crop failure,” Dadang stated on Saturday (Feb. 8, 2025).
Government Declares Emergency Response, Seeks Agricultural Aid
In response to the disaster, the Situbondo Regency Government has declared a Hydrometeorological Disaster Emergency Status, citing widespread damage caused by floods, landslides, and strong winds. This official designation allows local authorities to expedite disaster relief efforts.
Situbondo officials have submitted a formal report to Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, requesting emergency aid for affected farmers. The proposed relief package includes rice seeds and fertilizer to help farmers recover from their losses.
“We have reported the damage and requested assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, specifically for rice seed and fertilizer aid, to support farmers whose fields were submerged,” Dadang added.
Floodwaters Threaten Rice Crops Beyond Recovery
The prolonged presence of floodwater poses a serious threat to rice crops. According to agricultural experts, rice plants can generally survive submersion for up to three days, but any longer exposure can lead to irreversible damage and failed harvests.
“As of now, our field officers are actively assessing the extent of the damage and calculating the financial losses suffered by local farmers,” Dadang confirmed.
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The Ongoing Impact of Climate-Driven Disasters
The floods in Situbondo are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events affecting Indonesia’s agricultural sector. Hydrometeorological disasters, which include floods, landslides, and storms, have become increasingly common due to climate change.
For local farmers, this latest disaster adds to the growing challenges of unpredictable weather patterns, rising costs, and fluctuating rice prices. With government intervention and emergency relief efforts underway, authorities hope to minimize losses and support affected farmers in rebuilding their livelihoods.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more details emerge.
(Becky)
