- By Fathan Muhammad Taufiq
- Dinas Kominfo Kabupaten Aceh Tengah
ACEH TENGAH, kiprahkita.net - Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) is one of Indonesia’s leading plantation exports, particularly thriving in the Gayo Highlands, encompassing Central Aceh and Bener Meriah Regencies.
These regions host over 120,000 hectares of Arabica coffee plantations, producing more than 200,000 tons annually.
The coffee industry forms the economic backbone of this mountainous, cool region, contributing significantly to its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).
Gayo Arabica Coffee, recognized globally as "Gayo Mountain Coffee," has carved its niche among competitors from Africa, Latin America (e.g., Brazil), and Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand.
The critical question remains: How does this commodity uplift the Gayo people's economy and improve their welfare?
Specialty coffee, particularly organic coffee, offers a lucrative market. Organic coffee production adheres to sustainable agricultural practices emphasizing natural resource conservation, environmental safety, and high nutritional value.
This approach ensures health and environmental benefits while also addressing socioeconomic considerations.
Organic farming requires fertile soil, adequate rainfall, and strong environmental support. It involves erosion control through terracing and integrated pest management.
For instance, biological agents like Beauveria bassiana combat coffee berry borers, and Trichoderma sp. counters root fungi. Neem leaf extracts are also used as botanical pesticides.
Post-harvest handling is meticulous to meet organic coffee standards, ensuring mutual benefit among farmers, processors, and exporters.
Notably, the Gayo Highlands is the only region in Indonesia exporting organic coffee, commanding a premium price of 20%–70.5% higher than the global average.
This recognition bolsters the global reputation and market value of Gayo coffee, promising better income for farmers.
What Sets Gayo Coffee Apart?
Several factors contribute to the distinctiveness of Gayo coffee:
1. Superior Varieties: Local farmers cultivate high-quality Arabica varieties.
2. Ideal Climate and Soil: The Gayo Highlands’ environment supports the production of unique, flavorful coffee.
3. Unique Processing Methods: Wet hulling (semi-washed processing) adds a distinctive taste.
4. Organic Farming Practices: Aligning with global consumer demands, most farmers adopt organic systems.
Despite its strengths, the Gayo coffee sector faces hurdles:
- Inconsistent cultivation practices, with many farmers neglecting fertilization and proper care.
- The prevalence of White Root Disease, which lacks effective countermeasures.
- Low productivity, averaging 720 kg per hectare, compared to other regions achieving up to 2 tons per hectare.
- Limited access to fair pricing at the farmer level and weak farmer institutions.
Government interventions, such as biological control using Trichoderma and training programs, have shown limited success. Strengthening farmer organizations, providing consistent education, and enhancing agricultural practices are critical to addressing these issues.
Gayo coffee prices are among the highest in the world. Green bean coffee fetches Rp55,000–Rp60,000 per kilogram locally, far exceeding the global average price of Rp45,000.
Exporters attribute this premium to Gayo coffee’s Geographical Indication (GI) certification, recognized by global coffee organizations.
However, higher prices have not fully translated into farmer prosperity due to low productivity.
While Gayo farmers earn around Rp43,200,000 per hectare, competitors with higher yields earn up to Rp90,000,000 per hectare, despite lower prices.
Improving productivity requires:
- Strengthening farmer groups and institutions.
- Enhancing training and outreach programs.
- Gradually introducing advanced farming technologies.
- Maintaining stringent quality control measures.
Initiatives like the Internal System Control (ISC) established by KBQ Baburrayyan, which oversees quality from cultivation to export, have proven effective. Such models should be adopted industry-wide to maintain Gayo coffee's premium status.
Over the past three decades, Gayo Arabica coffee has significantly contributed to the region’s economy, securing its position on the global stage.
By addressing productivity challenges and maintaining quality, Gayo coffee can continue to uplift its farmers while sustaining its international reputation.***
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