An El Niño-driven drought is drying up rivers in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, leaving palm farmers and local supply chains under pressure. The Kapuas River, a major transport route, recedes, disrupting the movement of fresh oil palm fruit to mills and contributing to shipment delays. As river access worsens, mills reduce their purchases of fresh fruit, tightening the link between farm income and logistical capacity.

Outlets report that the impact is concentrated around mill operations in the province. One source says mills representing roughly half of West Kalimantan’s processing capacity are affected by the transportation disruptions. Another highlights the resulting financial strain on farmers, with some unable to sell their fruit and forced to reduce production costs. Reported coping measures include cutting fertilizer use by as much as 70% to save money, along with efforts to find alternative income sources.