Impressive! This Date Palm Plantation Isn't in Arabia, But in Sukabumi
A date palm plantation thrives in the Geopark Ciletuh area, Mekarsakti Village, Ciemas District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java, Wednesday (25/2/2026). (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)
Some of the date palm trees now bear golden-yellow fruit, ready for harvest. This scene contrasts with the common assumption that date palms can only grow in the desert regions of the Middle East. (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)
The manager of the plantation, Alwi Rahmatullah, said that the 462 Barhee variety date palm trees, planted five years ago, are now bearing fruit. (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)
The Barhee variety was chosen because it is known for its ability to adapt to tropical climates. The seedlings used were imported from tissue culture in the UK and Iran, with the selling price of seedlings ranging from IDR 1.6 million for small seedlings to IDR 5 million for large seedlings. (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)
The rows of trees that have begun to bear abundant fruit have made this plantation the first date palm plantation in Sukabumi to successfully produce dates. (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)
The dates hanging densely among the fronds create a unique attraction, while also opening up new opportunities for the agritourism sector in the southern Sukabumi region. (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)
Visitors can see firsthand the cultivation process and even pick fresh dates from the trees. (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)
The success of this cultivation is not only a symbol of agricultural innovation in the Geopark Ciletuh area, but is also expected to encourage economic growth for the surrounding community. (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)
The dates are sold for IDR 300,000 per kilogram. (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)
The presence of the date palm plantation enriches the potential for agriculture-based tourism and also shows that this plant, which is typical of arid regions, can grow productively in the tropical climate of Indonesia. (CNBC Indonesia/Muhammad Sabki)