Watermelons and melons market in Indonesia

Earlier Report Observations

Production of watermelons and melons in Indonesia expanded from 600.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 698.5 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was underpinned by the introduction of food safety and quality regulations for fresh plant products, such as Permentan No. 53/2018, which established monitoring standards. Further government policies in 2019, including sustainable food regulations and programs to increase horticultural production capacity, directly encouraged output expansion.

Output then fell sharply to 543.4 thousand tons in 2021 and declined further to 486.5 thousand tons in 2022. During this period, the industry faced distribution and marketing efficiency challenges in several producing regions, which likely constrained production volumes.

A rebound occurred in 2023, with production rising to 525.9 thousand tons. This recovery was accompanied by reported harvest increases in areas such as Indramayu and a shift toward direct-to-consumer sales. Concurrently, businesses and authorities began optimizing online marketing and improved packaging to reach wider markets.

Production watermelons and melons in Indonesia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Indonesia was one of the world's top producers of watermelons and melons, ranking 24th globally by production volume.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

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

After two years of growth, Indonesia's production of watermelons and melons declined. In 2021, the country produced 543.4 thousand tons, which represents a 22.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 9.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 698.5 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.2%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Indonesia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Indonesia's exports of watermelons and melons declined. In 2021, exports reached 177.8 tons, marking a sharp 54.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 48.4%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 19.8%. The peak export volume occurred in 2020 at 388.8 tons, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 7.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore and Malaysia were the primary destinations for Indonesia's watermelon and melon exports, together accounting for 81.7% of total export volume, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

The export market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their highest point in 2018 and their lowest in 2021, with a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Indonesia's watermelon and melon exports amounted to 101.9 thousand US dollars, representing a 55.6% decrease from the previous year. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2020 at 11.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Singapore accounted for 72.6% of the total value of Indonesia's watermelon and melon exports, with the remainder spread across various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Indonesia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 9 002-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Indonesia imported 0.0 tons of watermelons and melons, which represents a dramatic 775.0% increase from the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 0.0 tons, while the maximum was in 2019 at 36.0 tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 100.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Malaysia was the dominant source of watermelon and melon imports to Indonesia, accounting for 99.9% of total import volume.

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

The import market demonstrated considerable volatility during the observed period. Imports varied 227-fold between their peak in 2019 and their lowest point in 2020. In 2021, Indonesia's watermelon and melon imports reached 0.2 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 230.8% increase from 2020. 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. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 99.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Malaysia clearly dominated as the main supplier of watermelons and melons to Indonesia, representing 98.7% of total import value.

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

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