Hydroponic farming is gaining momentum across Indonesia as a modern, sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture. With its capacity to produce high-quality vegetables and fruits in limited space, and its drastically lower water requirements, hydroponics has emerged as a solution to some of the country’s most pressing agricultural challenges—climate change, urban land limitations, and demand for healthier food.
A standout example of this development is the Smart Greenhouse at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia, established in 2021 through support from the Ministry of Agriculture. This facility serves as a hub for student training, research, and real-world hydroponic practices. It demonstrates how Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can automate nutrient delivery, monitor environmental conditions, and reduce waste—all key to sustainable agriculture.
Efficiency That Matters
Hydroponic systems are up to 90% more water-efficient than traditional farming. Unlike conventional agriculture where water is lost through evaporation and runoff, hydroponic systems recycle water directly to plant roots in controlled environments like greenhouses, which further limit external variables such as pests and extreme weather.
Despite using less water, hydroponics does not compromise yield. Studies—including one by Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture and various academic institutions—show that growth rates and harvest volumes of crops like lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes are significantly higher in hydroponic systems due to precise nutrient delivery and better root oxygenation.
Precision Nutrition and Plant Growth
Nutrient management in hydroponics is more complex but far more controlled than in soil farming. Key parameters like pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), light intensity, temperature, and humidity are monitored in real-time using sensors and microcontrollers. This allows growers to adjust nutrient formulas based on plant stages (vegetative, flowering, fruiting) to optimize productivity.
Moreover, routine observation of plant health—such as leaf discoloration or unusual growth—helps identify nutrient deficiencies or imbalances early. Preventive hygiene practices, such as cleaning algae and filtering water, are essential to protect root zones from pathogens.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the potential of hydroponics in Indonesia is enormous, it faces several hurdles:
- High Initial Investment: The cost of setting up greenhouses, pumps, lighting, and nutrient systems can be prohibitive for small farmers.
- Skill Requirements: Hydroponic farming demands technical knowledge in biology, chemistry, and engineering—skills not yet widespread in Indonesia’s rural areas.
- Dependence on Electricity and Tech: Power outages and equipment failures can disrupt the delicate balance hydroponic systems rely on.
- Import Dependency: Many hydroponic nutrients and substrates are imported, raising production costs and creating supply chain vulnerabilities.
To overcome these barriers, collaboration is key. The government can provide incentives, including subsidies, low-interest loans, and training programs. Meanwhile, private companies and academic institutions can support innovation, local manufacturing of equipment, and nutrient formulation suited to Indonesia’s climate and crop varieties.
In parallel, public awareness campaigns and branding hydroponic produce as premium, pesticide-free, and eco-friendly can help expand markets and make the business model viable for a wider group of farmers.
Hydroponics is no longer just an experimental technique—it is a viable, high-tech farming method with the power to transform Indonesia’s agricultural landscape. With proper investment, education, and policy support, hydroponics can help ensure national food security, improve rural incomes, and promote sustainable living. The journey ahead lies in scaling this innovation responsibly and inclusively across urban and rural communities alike.
