PapuaAround.com – Papuan coffee, particularly from the regions of Pegunungan Bintang, Amungme, and Wamena, has gained tremendous popularity in the international market. This was highlighted by Faturachman, the Head of Bank Indonesia’s Papua Representation, during a recent media event in Jayapura. According to him, the interest in Papuan coffee, confirmed by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), has elevated it to a newfound idol in the coffee world.
Faturachman explained that the uniqueness of Papuan coffee lies in its distinct flavor and sustainable farming practices. “Papuan coffee is known for being organically grown, involving various community groups in the farming process, reflecting a spirit of cooperation, and utilizing land owned by tribes or clans,” he said.
Furthermore, Faturachman emphasized that the high-altitude cultivation above 1700 meters contributes significantly to the quality and flavor profile of Papuan coffee. The method of picking only mature coffee beans also adds to the strength of producing high-quality Papuan coffee.
In this context, Yani Elok Pratiwi from the Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia (SCAI) added that Papuan coffee falls into the category of exotic coffees highly sought after in the international market. “We organize various events like the Cup of Excellence to showcase top-notch coffees from Papua, which are highly coveted by consumers abroad,” she said.
Yani further stated that the Cup of Excellence event serves as a critical platform to enhance the quality and quantity of Papuan coffee that can be marketed overseas. However, the challenge lies in the limited production quantity compared to the high demand. Collaborative efforts between the government, especially State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), and various stakeholders continue to be made to enhance Indonesia’s coffee competitiveness in the global market.
Data presented by Faturachman from Bank Indonesia shows that Indonesia’s coffee absorption in the international market reaches 59%, significantly higher than domestic consumption. This indicates substantial potential that can be further developed to boost Indonesia’s coffee exports.
“This year, the World of Coffee event will be held in Copenhagen, with hopes that it will be hosted in Jakarta next year. Hopefully, this will provide greater opportunities for coffee farmers in Papua to enhance their visibility and market access,” she added.
Its coffee is not just an export commodity but also represents Indonesia’s cultural richness increasingly valued internationally. The success of Papuan coffee in penetrating the global market is not only due to its excellent taste and quality but also because of its commitment to environmental sustainability and social inclusion in every step of its production.
In conclusion, the success of Papuan coffee as an Indonesian flagship product in the international market reflects the extraordinary potential of natural resources and local wisdom that must be continuously supported and promoted sustainably.
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Source: PapuaTerkini.