Indonesia is one of the world’s largest and most diverse coffee-producing countries, with a rich history dating back to the late 1600s when Dutch traders first introduced Arabica coffee to the island of Java. Today, coffee is grown across the vast archipelago—from the volcanic highlands of Sumatra to the remote mountains of Sulawesi and the lush hills of Bali. Each region offers unique flavor profiles shaped by local climate, elevation, and traditional processing methods, such as the distinctive wet-hulling technique used in Sumatra.
Indonesia is renowned for its bold, earthy coffees with deep body, low acidity, and complex spice and herbal notes—making it a favorite among those who appreciate rich, full-bodied brews with character.
Giling Basah
Giling Basah is the traditional Sumatran method of processing coffee. It involves hulling parchment at roughly 50 percent moisture content, versus the 10 to 12 percent moisture that’s common elsewhere. This unusual practice results in a trademark flavor profile—a light acidity, lingering richness, and earthy, spicy and chocolate notes.
Fairtrade Organic
Fairtrade is a certification that ensures farmers receive a fair, stable price and work under safe, equitable conditions—supporting community development and long-term sustainability. Additionally, the Organic certification ensures that the coffee is grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, protecting the environment and preserving the natural health of the soil.
Suppliers
We source Indonesia Sumatra G1 Fairtrade Organic from a number of producer-partners. Ask your trader for details.
Utamagro
One newer supplier is Utama Sejahtera Agro, or Utamagro, which was created in 2002 and began exporting green coffee to international markets in 2017. It says its mission is to provide the best quality products to customers, and that it’s committed to improving employees’ competence, making its production processes more efficient and embracing emerging technologies.
Utamagro set up a cooperative in Aceh called Koperasi Utamagro Tani Gayo, which exclusively supplies coffee to Utamagro. Utamagro Tani Gayo engages youth from the district, who come from all backgrounds and experiences. The founders were motivated to form a youth initiative within the co-op to address the lack of economic opportunities for young people in the area. The co-op’s primary focus is to advance the economic welfare of its members, as well as to educate them in how to properly run the co-operative. This means looking out for “the welfare of members in particular and society in general.”
KSU Adil Wiladah Mabrur, Koperasi Gayo Mandiri
KSU Adil Wiladah Mabrur and Koperasi Gayo Mandiri are closely associated co-ops. With their Fairtrade premiums, each has purchased agricultural tools (such as weed cutters, machetes, shovels and saws) and invested in environmental education and training (such as erosion avoidance, soil conservation and proper waste disposal).
The co-ops also focus on social programs such as women’s empowerment. The latter has included supporting women during pregnancies by purchasing necessary medical tools, as well as courses to train women in financial management.
Buana Mandiri
Buana Mandiri was formed in 2014 and is still considered a new cooperative. Most of its board and members are young men. The last few years, they’ve been working hard to supply members with personal protective equipment, fertilizer, seedlings and young shade trees, promoting a focus on sustainable farming. They currently have around 1,300 members, whose farms, in the Bener Meriah region, are between 1,200 and 1,400 masl. The cooperative now also has its own mill in Bener Meriah.
Koperasi Petani Kopi Arabika
Koperasi Petani Kopi Arabika (KPKA) Cooperative represents smallholder in Kabupaten Bener Meriah, a regency in Aceh district surrounding lake Takengon. KPKA offers Indonesia Sumatra Mandheling G1 DP Rainforest Alliance. This Arabica Gayo 1 varietal coffee is grown 1200-1400 meters above sea level and harvested April-November.
Putra Tani Berkarya Producer Cooperative (KPPTB)
The Putra Tani Berkarya Producers Cooperative (KPPTB) is located in Aceh Province, in the Bener Meriah district. Established in 2021, the cooperative currently consists of 711 producer members from nine villages across Bener Meriah and Central Aceh. The cooperative has its own Processing Unit and prides itself on maintaining consistent, high-quality products each season. KPPTB has been certified Organic since 2022 and Fairtrade Organic since 2024. These credentials have not only earned them better prices for their coffee but have also improved plantation productivity and the livelihood of producer members.
Still another supplier is the women-owned and -run Kokowago Cooperative.
Cup Profile
Cedar, sweet tobacco, spicy, chocolate. Winey acidity, consistent, balanced.
