Flooding and landslides wreaked havoc in West Java, Indonesia.  Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds rattled Sukabumi district, West Java Province, Indonesia on 27 October 2025, affecting 612 families or 1,835 people. The situation worsened after the riverbank in Cisolok was breached. However, no fatalities or injuries had been reported as data was still being collected. Meanwhile, landslides occurred in several areas, damaging 17 houses and one villages access road. Local authorities quickly provided assistance to those affected. Residents in southern West Java were urged to remain alert to the potential for further disaster.

Source: Anantara. (2025, Oct 28).  BNPB deploys rapid response team for Sukabumi floods, landslides.

Nearly 5,000 people evacuated in Malaysia due to flooding. As of 25 October 2025, heavy rain continued to battle the northern peninsula of Malaysia, worsening the flooding situation in the states of Perak, Kedah, and Penang. The number of evacuees at relief centres rose to 4,743, including 2,806 people from 955 families in Perak, 928 people from 252 families, and 1,009 people from 312 families in Kedah. Several roads in Kuala Muda were also flooded. 

Source: Malay Mail. (2025, Oct 25). Flood situation worsens in Perak, Kedah and Penang as evacuees near 5,000.

The Rice Department discusses measures to prevent a fall in paddy price. The Rice Department has invited representatives from relevant government agencies and the private sector to discuss measures to prevent a decline in paddy rice prices during the 2025/26 harvest season and to maintain stable rice prices. According to the Rice Department, farmers across Thailand are expected to begin harvesting their crops from October to November 2025. Most rice fields have produced good yields this year, with minimal damage from natural disasters. As a result, the release of large quantities of paddy rice onto the market could depress paddy rice prices.

Source: Nation Thailand. (2025, October 19). Rice Department to discuss measures to prevent fall in paddy prices for new harvest.

Japanese rice farmers plan to expand their rice field areas. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) survey showed that on Friday, 29 percent of Japanese rice farmers plan to expand their planting area for the 2026 harvest. Japan’s rice prices stay near record highs following a surge in 2024, despite government stockpile releases to control rice prices. Meanwhile, the online survey of 8,095 farmers, conducted by the MAFF from June to August, found that about 56 percent of rice farmers will maintain current acreage in 2026. Regarding production plans for the next five years, 11 percent expect to reduce or stop production, mainly due to a lack of successors.

Source: Japan Today. (2025, October 18). 29% of Japan's rice farms to raise crop acreage amid price surge: survey.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) is considering a review of the appropriate level for the government's rice stockpiling. Due to the domestic rice demand having fallen 20 percent since 2001, set at about 1 million tons, when the current stockpiling level, MAFF plans to discuss the potential reduction of the government rice stockpile and expedite rice release for emergency response by subsidizing private storage costs. As part of a major review of paddy field policy scheduled for fiscal 2027, the stockpiling system is expected to be adjusted based on supply and demand, with specific volumes to be determined later.

Source: nippon.com. (2025, October 20). Japan Mulls Review of Rice Stockpiling Level.