The Creative Coffeepreneur Journey will be held in Takengon, Central Aceh, on October 2–5, 2022, by the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Coffee Exporters Association (BPP AEKI).
Irfan Anwar, Chairman of BPP AEKI, said, "Creative Coffeepreneur Journey wants to remind all stakeholders to maintain the sustainability of the coffee business in Indonesia."
The purpose of this event is to learn more about potential coffee problems in coffee-producing regions and how to address them.
Irfan Anwar stated that everyone who attended the public event was invited to visit the Takengon coffee plantation.
They will also learn more about coffee, from how it is grown and processed.
He added that the FGD will be held as part of an event to advance and improve the welfare of coffee industry players, from farmers to exporters.
It is hoped that the Creative Coffeepreneur journey initiated by Irfan Anwar can be carried out in other coffee-producing areas such as Lampung.
Irfan, a young entrepreneur from North Sumatra, said the initiative "capitalizes on the momentum of global economic growth and strong government support to boost exports."
Indonesia's coffee export value falls
Indonesia's coffee exports in 2021 were valued at US$850 million, down significantly from the previous high of US$1,2 billion.
The weakening of export volume due to decreased production due to weather conditions caused the decline in foreign exchange.
To ensure the success of exporters' businesses and the growth of economic income for farmers, traders, and the government, AEKI hopes that coffee exports can increase.
Irfan Anwar added that the price of export-ready grade 1 coffee in the local market, at Rp 105.000 per kg, is still quite reasonable.
Indonesian coffee is still highly sought after for its taste, even though the export market faces stiff competition, especially regarding selling prices.
Takengon, Central Aceh itself, said Irfan, is a producer of Arabica coffee known as Gayo Coffee.
Gayo Coffee, one of the types of Indonesian coffee that is most popular with consumers at home and abroad.
Indonesian specialty coffee producer “Gayo Coffee” must continue to be protected.
The Aceh highlands, especially the Takengon, Bener Meriah, and Gayo Leus regions, are where Gayo coffee grows.
The plateau surrounded by mountains and hills makes this area have a spectacular appearance and offers enormous potential to be developed as a tourist destination.
The Regent of Central Aceh, Shabela Abubakar, appreciated the steps taken by the General Chairperson of BPP AEKI, Irfan Anwar, who initiated the Creative Coffeepreneur Journey in Takengon, Central Aceh, October 2-5.
"Hosting the inaugural Creative Coffeepreneur Journey is an honor for Takengon. The Central Aceh Regency Government is ready to wholeheartedly support it," he added.
