South Sumatra Produced 804,800 Tons of Rubber, the Most Nationally in 2020

Indonesia is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of natural rubber, alongside Malaysia and Thailand. According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), national rubber production in 2020 reached 2.8 million tons, a 12.6% decrease from the previous year's 3.3 million tons.

South Sumatra was the largest rubber-producing province in 2020, with a production of 804,800 tons, or 28.7% of total national rubber production. North Sumatra followed in second place with 327,700 tons (11.7%), and Riau in third place with 291,900 tons (10.4%).

Approximately 80% of national rubber production is exported as a commodity to several countries, including the United States, Finland, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Brazil, Germany, and Turkey. Domestic consumption is largely absorbed by the manufacturing industry, particularly the automotive sector.

Compared to other rubber-producing countries, Indonesia still has a low level of productivity. Indonesia produces only 1.08 tons/ha/year, while Thailand produces 1.8 tons/ha/year and Malaysia 1.5 tons/ha/year.

This low rubber productivity is attributed to the generally old age of rubber trees and the inefficient rubber management practices of smallholder farmers.