GPSNR: Indonesia’s rubber industry shrinking but smallholders keep tapping

Singapore:  Indonesia, once a top global rubber producer, faces a nearly 10% production drop in 2025 due to ageing trees, disease, and low prices, driving many farmers to abandon rubber for palm oil or other work.

Despite industry contraction and factory closures, smallholder farmers like Tuminah, Ari, and Yensi continue tapping rubber, motivated by tradition, practicality, or the flexibility rubber offers in balancing farm work with family life.

For some farmers, rubber represents stability, cultural heritage, and a manageable livelihood—even if not highly profitable. Their persistence preserves continuity and could pave the way for a future revival.

In this article, Chee Wei, who is the focal point for all of GPSNR's field and capacity building, explores why so many of Indonesia's smallholders choose to continue tapping: 

Read the full GPSNR article