Indonesia’s 2025 Dry Season: Normal but Fire and Drought Risks Loom

Indonesia is set to experience a typical dry season in 2025, mirroring last year’s conditions, according to the country's meteorological agency. However, officials warn of potential droughts and forest fires in specific regions.

The dry season will begin in most areas by April and peak between June and August, said Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan, the agency's deputy for climatology, during a press briefing. Unlike 2023, which saw severe dryness due to a prolonged El Niño, this year’s climate patterns are expected to be more stable.

“There is no dominant El Niño effect this year, so the dry season should be relatively normal—comparable to 2024 and significantly less dry than 2023,” Ardhasena explained.

Regional Variations and Environmental Risks

While much of Indonesia—including Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua—will experience a standard dry season, certain provinces will face harsher conditions. North Sumatra, West Borneo, Central Sulawesi, North Maluku, and South Papua are expected to endure more intense dryness, said Dwikorita Karnawati, the agency’s head.

The risk of forest fires is particularly high in northern Sumatra and southern Borneo between June and August, the peak of the dry season. Additionally, parts of eastern Java, Nusa Tenggara, and Bali are likely to experience drought from July to September.

Call for Preparedness

Authorities are urging farmers to adapt their cultivation schedules and use water efficiently to mitigate the effects of the dry season. “We encourage proactive water management and strategic agricultural planning,” Dwikorita emphasized.

Earlier in the year, Indonesia saw heavy rainfall from January to March. Intense downpours in early March led to severe flooding in Jakarta and surrounding areas, submerging some places under three meters of water and forcing thousands to evacuate.

As the dry season approaches, balancing water conservation efforts with disaster preparedness remains a priority to minimize environmental and economic disruptions.