Extreme Weather Challenges Koja Residents' Grape Cultivation in a Narrow Alley

Green grape leaves hanging over the dense residential area of RW 01, Tugu Utara, Koja, North Jakarta, are gradually turning yellow and drying out.

Since 2021, the formerly stigmatised village near the now-defunct Kramat Tunggak red-light district in Koja, North Jakarta, has transformed into a vineyard.

Approximately 50 grapevines are cultivated collectively by residents of RW 01.

One resident and urban farming coordinator, Ita (35), said the grapevines are spread across several RTs with available yard space, including RT 01, 03, 07, and 05.

The most recent harvest occurred early this year when the area was visited by Environment Minister Hanif Fais.

“It’s not suitable for grapes to be too hot or receive excessive rain,” Ita told Kompas.com on Wednesday (27 May 2026). “Currently, the plants are drying out”

Thus, RW 01 residents are now exploring alternative crops that can thrive amid Jakarta’s erratic weather.

Dani Arwanto (51), the vineyard manager and RT 07 head of RW 01, said extreme weather poses a challenge for growing grapes in dense residential areas like Koja.

Despite this, he remains committed to developing the vineyard within the residential zone.

Currently, around 27 grape varieties are cultivated by RW 01 residents, including Jupiter, Transfiguration, Julian, and others.

Dani said that when weather conditions are favourable, the approximately 50 grapevines in RW 01 can yield two harvests annually.

“There are about 50 trees spread across this area. In total, one harvest can produce 50 to 100 kilograms if the weather is good and without rain interference,” Dani told Kompas.com on Tuesday.

However, during the rainy season, grapevines struggle to fruit. When they do, the quality is poor due to fungal infections from humid conditions.

The challenging cultivation process ensures that the grapes are always sold out upon harvest.

Dani added that locals typically buy the grapes by self-picking, priced per kilogram.