Does Indonesia produce good coffee? Absolutely! It’s also one of the world’s top five coffee producers, contributing around 6.6% to global coffee production.
Indonesia offers a range of quality coffees like Gayo, Mandheling, and Java Ijen, all of which are highly sought after in the international market.
However, Indonesian coffees are notoriously expensive due to traditional production methods, ideal growing conditions, and high export costs.
Curious about coffee production in Indonesia? Let’s dive into it together in this article!
Table of Contents
Indonesian Coffee Region
Each Indonesian coffee has its own unique characteristics, the rich natural resources of this tropical country. Of the several regions, Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi are said to be the best Indonesian coffee regions in the archipelago!
1. Sumatra
Sumatra is renowned as Indonesia’s largest coffee producer, offering varieties like Gayo, Mandheling, and Lintong. Sumatran coffee typically boasts an earthy flavor profile with balanced acidity, making it less sour and highly enjoyable.
Many international baristas also rely on this coffee because it produces a fairly creamy espresso. Thanks to the unique wet-hulled processing method!
2. Java
Next up is the island of Java, which is known for its premium Arabica variety-one of which is Java coffee. Its smooth taste with a slight aftertaste of chocolate and caramel makes it suitable as the main ingredient for the Mocha Java coffee blend.
3. Sulawesi
The island of Sulawesi, especially Toraja, produces coffee beans with complex flavors and balanced acidity. This richness of flavor makes Toraja coffee in high demand by international coffee lovers!
4. Bali
In the highlands of Kintamani, Bali, you can find Arabica coffee with unique floral and citrus notes. The volcanic soil and ideal climate contribute to the distinct flavor profile, making Bali coffee highly desirable among coffee enthusiasts.
5. Flores
Flores, particularly the Bajawa region, is renowned for its organic Arabica coffee. Grown in rich volcanic soil, Flores coffee features a full-bodied flavor with hints of dark chocolate and spices, coupled with a pleasant acidity that delights the palate.
Also read: 5 Indonesia Coffee Regions That Produce the Best Coffee
Historical Side of Indonesian Coffee
How did coffee come to Indonesia in the first place? Originally, it was the Dutch who brought coffee beans from Arabia to the island of Java in the 17th century. This plant was even made as one of the commodities that must be planted for their benefit.
During this period, coffee plantations were mostly built on the islands of Java and Sumatra. Over time, these coffee plantations grew. It became the main export commodity for the Dutch.
However, after Indonesian independence, ownership of the plantations was handed over to local farmers. Until now, they have continued to maintain the tradition and quality of the beans they produce.
Strengths of Indonesian Coffee
Why does Indonesian coffee excel in the global market? Let’s take a look at some of Indonesia’s coffee strengths in terms of consumption, export capacity, and the size of its coffee plantations!
1. Domestic Consumption
Coffee consumption in Indonesia continues to increase, which is in line with the growing coffee-drinking culture.
You can find a large number of cafes and coffee shops-especially in big cities. This shows how much people are interested in local coffee consumption!
2. Export Capacity
As mentioned above, Indonesia ranks as four of the top five coffee-exporting countries globally. In the long run, the local coffee market will also grow as demand stabilizes internationally!
3. Coffee Plantation Sizes and Production
The total area of coffee plantations in Indonesia is over 1 million hectares. In 2022, it was recorded that they could produce 760 thousand tons of coffee in one year!
Also read: 10 Fascinating Facts About Ubud Coffee Plantations
Varieties of Indonesian Coffee
Before entering the complete process of Indonesian coffee production, you need to know what coffee varieties are available here. These types include Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica.
- Arabica: Most coffee from Indonesia is categorized as Arabica Coffee. The aroma is superior, and the plants can thrive on the islands of Java and Sumatra.
- Robusta: There is also Robusta coffee, whose plantations are generally found in the lowlands. This type of coffee has a higher caffeine content and a more bitter taste.
- Liberica: Although less popular than Arabica and Robusta, Liberica is a unique coffee. Its floral aroma and fruity flavor are distinctive and rarely found in other types of coffee.
Also read: 8 Types of Coffee Beans in Indonesia, Unique & You Must Try!
Indonesia Coffee Production
When talking about coffee production in Indonesia, we must understand several important stages, such as planting, harvesting and post-harvesting, as well as distribution and export.
1. Planting
Coffee plants in Indonesia are generally cultivated using organic and conventional methods. This is necessary if they prioritize coffee quality as well as the environment.
The difference between organic and conventional methods lies only in the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The organic method does not use these two products, making it healthier and more environmentally friendly.
Also read: Organic vs Non Organic Coffee: What Are The Differences?
2. Harvest and Post-Harvest
Next up is the harvesting process. Coffee cherries are usually picked manually by locals, although some use mechanized methods.
After that, they will be processed again using several methods, such as dry, wet, and honey processing.
Dry processing is the drying of the coffee beans along with the pulp, while the wet processing method will separate the beans from the fruit first. If you want to combine the two, then choose the honey process technique.
Also read: Understanding the Methods: Natural Processed Coffee vs Honey Processed Coffees
3. Distribution and Export
After further processing, coffee will be packaged and sold to local and international coffee markets.
Indonesia itself has successfully exported its coffee products to more than 50 countries, with the main markets being the United States and Europe.
Future Prospects of Indonesian Coffee
What about the future of the Indonesian coffee industry? The prospects are quite bright, especially with the increasing demand for premium coffees from Indonesia.
The support of the local government in improving market access for farmers is also crucial. In order to maintain its competitiveness in the international market sphere, Indonesia must innovate effectively to cultivate and enhance the quality of its coffee bean products!
Challenges for Coffee Industries in Indonesia
Now, besides knowing the prospects, you should also understand that the Indonesian coffee industry may face some challenges. Here are some of them.
1. Broaden Access to Finance
Most coffee farmers in Indonesia are smallholders. They need more capital to buy modern tools, superior seeds, and quality fertilizers. With adequate financing, the productivity and quality of their crops will be easier to improve.
2. A Fragmented Sector
Indonesia’s coffee industry needs better unification. Many farmers work individually rather than collaborating with cooperatives, making it harder for them to access global markets and negotiate fair prices for their products.
3. Improving Collaboration with Small Farmers
Small farmers should collaborate with larger industries, whether exporters or international coffee companies.
This will benefit them overall as they may receive specialized training on modern coffee cultivation and how to market it more effectively.
4. Lack of Productivity
Compared to Brazil or Vietnam, the productivity of the coffee industry in Indonesia still needs to catch up. This is due to the limited use of modern technology and the lack of technical training for farmers.
5. Invest in Adequate Infrastructure
The last obstacle to coffee production in Indonesia is poor transportation infrastructure. Even, most of the best coffee plantations are located in fairly remote areas.
Inefficient distribution channels will lead to high transportation costs. Overall, the price of coffee in the market has become more expensive!
Not only that, the available storage facilities need to be improved to maintain the quality of the coffee beans during shipment.
Indonesia’s Coffee Legacy: Buy the Best Beans Now!
That’s some information you can get regarding this coffee-producing region, including coffee production in Indonesia. The processing process is unique. It’s no surprise that each Indonesian coffee has its own unique background and flavor profile!
Coffee industry players should take advantage of the growing market potential to influence the economic condition of this tropical country. Are you interested in trying one of these Indonesian coffees?
Please support our local farmers by purchasing premium Indonesian beans at FnB Coffee. We provide a comprehensive list of coffee types that you can choose from, ranging from Arabica to Robusta.
Still trying to understand your choice? Try browsing our best-seller coffees over the years. Support Indonesian coffee production so that it continues to go global!
