As El Niño triggers severe drought across many parts of Indonesia, salt farmers in West Java Province are enjoying a bumper harvest thanks to the dry, extended sunny weather.
In contrast, crop farmers in the same region are under heavy pressure as plants lack water, yields drop, and the risk of crop failure rises. The prolonged scorching heat has directly threatened the livelihoods of many households.
Reports indicate that salt fields in West Java are producing higher yields than in previous years, as seawater evaporates more quickly under intense sunlight. This is seen as one of the few production sectors benefiting from the current extreme climate event.
However, experts warn that the immediate gains from increased salt production are only local, while the long-term consequences of El Niño for agriculture and national food security remain a serious concern. Crop farmers are now considering adaptation measures, including adjusting planting seasons and using drought-resistant crop varieties.
The current situation clearly illustrates how natural events impact different sectors unevenly, highlighting the need for sustainable development strategies for West Java's coastal region in the future.
