Indonesia’s apple-growing heartland feels the heat of global warming

Apple farmer Agus Ridwan says climate change has been wreaking havoc on apple harvests at his 0.4ha orchard in Sumbergondo village in Batu city, East Java. - ST

BATU, Indonesia (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): 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.