Editorial photo #12929389 Economy, Business and Finance
Indonesia's Tallest Vertical Urban Farm
A worker inspects the vegetables while another harvests lettuce at Ladang Farm in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 31, 2025. Urban farming rapidly grows in Jakarta as a solution to limited land and the increasing demand for food. One such facility is Ladang Farm, a modern hydroponic-based farm located in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta. This tallest vertical farm in Indonesia, established in 2022, employs 4 agronomists and 9 staff members. The farm features 18-meter-high racks with 33,000 planting holes, using hydroponic technology to grow vegetables and herbs without soil, relying only on nutrient solutions and regulated water flow. In a month, the farm can produce up to 2 tons of hydroponic vegetables, including lettuce, Thai basil, Italian basil, mint, and shiso (perilla). 80% of the harvest is supplied to hotels, supermarkets, and modern restaurants in Jakarta, while 20% is available for purchase on-site or via delivery services. Despite its high yield, the vertical farm faces challenges, particularly high electricity costs, as the hydroponic and vertical systems require a stable power supply, especially for water pumps, lighting, and air conditioning. (Photo by Afriadi Hikmal/NurPhoto)
