January 08, 2026 | IPB University |
Rambutan, traditionally abundant at year’s end, has become scarce, prompting public concern. According to Prof. Sobir, a tropical fruit expert from IPB University, the decline in rambutan availability toward the end of 2025 is mainly due to climate conditions, plant physiology, and economic considerations.
First, climate factors play a key role. Indonesia is expected to experience a “wet drought” in 2025, which limits the dry period needed to trigger rambutan flowering. Second, rambutan trees naturally show biannual bearing, producing heavily one year and less the next because energy reserves are depleted after a large harvest. Third, the fruit’s relatively low economic value discourages farmers from harvesting when yields are small, as it may not be profitable.
Prof. Sobir noted that rambutan typically flowers after a 2–4 week dry period and is usually harvested during the rainy season in December. Shifts in seasonal patterns can therefore delay or reduce production. Looking ahead, Indonesia’s Meteorology Agency (BMKG) forecasts mostly normal rainfall in 2026, suggesting rambutan production is likely to recover next year.
