Persistent drought conditions linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon have significantly lowered water levels in Indonesia's Kapuas River. This environmental crisis has stranded numerous barges and tugboats, effectively paralyzing a critical transportation route for the palm oil industry. In West Kalimantan, palm oil mills are struggling to manage their inventory as processed oil cannot be shipped out, leading to full storage tanks. Consequently, these facilities have reduced their intake of fresh fruit bunches from local growers. Farmers like Supendi are facing financial hardship, as they are unable to sell their harvests due to the mill closures and logistical bottlenecks caused by the receding river. The situation highlights the vulnerability of regional agricultural supply chains to extreme weather events that impede essential river transport.
Source : Free Malaysia Today
Photo : Free Malaysia Today
