- A prolonged drought has significantly increased salt production in Indonesia.
- In the Cirebon region, the harvest has risen from several dozen to nearly 600 metric tons.
- Dry weather may persist through October, which is conducive to continued production.
- However, these same conditions are causing increasing difficulties for agriculture and raising the risk of wildfires.
Drought creates ideal conditions in salt fields
For most farmers, a lack of rain is a serious problem. In Indonesian salt fields, however, the situation is completely different. Persistently high temperatures and long periods without rain accelerate the evaporation of seawater, allowing salt to be harvested faster and in greater quantities.
This is particularly evident in the Cirebon region of West Java. In July, local production reached nearly 600 metric tons, compared to just 25–30 metric tons the previous year. Even brief rainfall can reduce the quality of the salt and interrupt the production process, which is why the current weather is exceptionally favorable for producers. If the drought lasts until October, this year’s season could turn out to be one of the best in years.
Gains for One Industry, Losses for Another
The favorable situation for salt producers stands in stark contrast to the problems facing Indonesian agriculture. The prolonged dry season makes it difficult to plan planting, limits access to water, and increases the risk of crop losses. Meteorological services are advising farmers to adjust their fieldwork schedules to the new conditions.
Dry weather also increases the risk of wildfires. The number of fires is rising in many parts of the country, and the effects of El Niño are becoming increasingly evident. For salt producers, this presents an opportunity for larger harvests and the replenishment of reserves, but for the rest of the agricultural sector, this same weather pattern is becoming an increasingly serious burden.
