Apple farmers in Indonesia feel the heat of climate change

Harvests in East Java’s apple heartland falling amid rising temperatures, rainfall

- Arlina Arshad

BATU, Indonesia - As a fine drizzle fell over Indonesia's apple-growing heartland, farmer Agus Ridwan inspected dozens of clusters of white and light-pink apple blossoms on the tree branches, and smiled brightly.

"They look okay today. I just hope the rain doesn't get any heavier, or worse, turn stormy. That will surely ruin the flowers - and all my hard work," the 47-year-old said.

Mr Agus, who has been growing apples for two decades on the volcanic slopes of Sumbergondo village in East Java province's Batu city, has good reason to worry.

Apple harvests in Batu and neighbouring Pasuruan and Malang - known collectively as Indonesia's "City of Apples" - have been poor for some years now, owing to climate change causing higher temperatures and rainfall.

This is compounded by ageing trees which are well over 30 years old, falling apple prices and less fertile soil. Other factors include deforestation and urban development.

Mr Agus' 0.4ha orchard, about half the size of a football field, could previously yield up to five tonnes of apples per harvest, but in recent years, each harvest has yielded only 200kg to 500kg.

Each kilogram can be sold for between 10,000 rupiah (about 90 Singapore cents) and 30,000 rupiah.

Unknown to many outside Indonesia, East Java is home to the country's largest apple orchards.