Melons and papayas market in Indonesia

Earlier Report Observations

The Indonesian market for fresh melons and papayas grew from 1 487 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 714 thousand tons by 2020. This expansion was partly supported by the enactment of Peraturan Menteri Pertanian No. 53 Tahun 2018, which set safety and quality standards for fresh produce. A more direct driver emerged in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic increased domestic demand for local fruits like papayas and melons, as import restrictions and distribution disruptions limited the availability of imported alternatives.

Market volume stabilized around 1 711 thousand tons in 2021. During this period, cultivation methods diversified with the development of hydroponic melon farming targeting premium markets in Jakarta, meeting unmet demand and offering higher selling prices. Efforts to improve domestic seed quality also aimed at strengthening the production base for future growth.

After a dip to 1 576 thousand tons in 2022, the market rebounded to 1 763 thousand tons in 2023. The downturn in 2022 occurred alongside the launch of the large-scale Gerakan Revolusi Oranye initiative by state-owned PTPN III, which planted papaya Calina across 2 500 hectares to boost long-term national fruit production. The recovery in 2023 was facilitated by intensified government market operations and supply stabilization measures under the Badan Pangan Nasional's action plan to ensure availability and price control for fresh food items.

Production melons and papayas in Indonesia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Indonesia ranked 13th globally in the production of melons and papayas.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2018-2021

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2018-2021

After rising for two years, Indonesia's production of melons and papayas declined. In 2021, output reached 1 712 thousand tonnes, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 1 715 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports melons and papayas from Indonesia

Exports in kind, t

Indonesia's exports of melons and papayas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports fell to 204.4 tonnes, a 55.1% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports dropped by 67.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 31.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, most of Indonesia's melon and papaya exports in volume terms were concentrated in just two countries: Malaysia and Singapore. Other markets individually played a less significant role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Indonesia's melon and papaya exports in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 110.1 thousand US dollars, marking a 55.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 76.4%, representing an annualized decline of 38.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Indonesia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Singapore and Malaysia consistently accounted for 83.9% of Indonesia's total melon and papaya exports in value terms. This indicates a high degree of market concentration, with numerous smaller markets making up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Indonesia in value, 2018-2021

Imports melons and papayas to Indonesia

Imports in kind, t

Indonesia's imports of melons and papayas in volume terms showed significant fluctuations during the period. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 0.0 tonnes, while the maximum occurred in 2019 at 36.0 tonnes, representing a 9 002-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports totalled 0.0 tonnes, a 775.0% increase year-over-year. The largest decline was observed in 2020 at 100.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia's melon and papaya imports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Malaysia accounting for 99.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Indonesia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Indonesia's melon and papaya imports in value terms experienced irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 0.1 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 14.7 thousand US dollars, showing a 227-fold variation between these years. In 2021, imports reached 0.2 thousand US dollars, an abrupt increase of 230.8% compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 99.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Indonesia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Malaysia remained the dominant and nearly exclusive source for Indonesia's melon and papaya imports in value terms, holding a 98.7% share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Indonesia in value, 2018-2021