Indonesia Battles Rice Shortage Amid El Niño-Driven Drought

Government and technological interventions aim to mitigate impact as cultural staple becomes scarce.

El Niño's dry weather has led to a significant rice shortage in Indonesia, causing record price hikes and sparking fears of food insecurity and social unrest.
Indonesian government responds with measures including rice imports, discounted rice sales, and cash handouts to affected families.
Technological solutions like drones and drought-resistant rice seeds are being deployed to combat the shortfall.
Cultural significance of rice in Indonesia underscores the potential impact of the crisis, with rice being a staple food and part of the nation's identity.
Experts call for diversification of carbohydrate sources and improvements in irrigation infrastructure to enhance resilience against future shortages.