Indonesian Coffee Surf
Tentera Coffee Taste-map
Indonesian Coffee is Among The World's Best
Indonesia is the world's 4th biggest coffee producing countries in 2020, according to the International Coffee Organization. Many of the islands of Indonesia were formed by volcanoes and still benefit from soil that's rich in volcanic ash and ideal for growing coffee. Indonesia's 3,200-mile archipelago with 13,000 islands, 120 active volcanoes, rainfall, fertile soil, and ideal temperatures have led to the existence of a variety of coffees.
Specialty Arabica coffee is Indonesia's most popularly product and has gained worldwide acknowledgment. This has positioned Indonesia as the 2nd largest specialty Arabica exporter in the world, with 150,000 tons of export per year. Nearly 100 genetic varieties of Arabica coffee have been created since 1699 - some of these include Sumatra, Java, Bali, Sulawesi, Flores, Papua and much more.
Sumatra Rasuna
Sumatra is the second-largest island in the Republic of Indonesia. Coffees from any region in Sumatra are best when grown at high elevations – above 1,250 meters above sea level is ideal. This slows the growing process, allowing the plant more time to deliver nutrients and minerals to the coffee beans so that they have more fuel to develop a fuller, robust flavor. Shade-Grown certifications also help slowing the growth process, reducing photosynthesis and developing the best qualities of the coffee beans. Sumatra Rasuna coffee is sweet with a medium body, clean after taste, and a unique fruity note that can't be found in any other coffee.
Sumatra Gayo
Coffees from the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra are valued for their rich flavor of dark chocolate with elated herbal notes, creating a tantalizing coffee. The Gayo region is renown for producing a high quality Arabica, grown in the lovely mountain basin surrounding Lake Tawar and the town of Takengon. The typical processing method used is called “Wet Hulling” or "Giling Basah" in Indonesian. This unique and distinctive preparation is what generates that famous body and intensity. Sumatra Gayo coffee is grown at a height of 1,000 to 1,400 meters above sea level, and rated as one of the best Indonesia's Coffee growing regions.
Java
West Java is the earliest plantation area acquired by VOC in East Indies back in 18th century. Coffee was planted in Priangan area, such as in Sumedang. Java’s Arabica coffee production is centered on the Ijen Plateau, at the eastern end of Java, at an altitude more than 1,400 meters. The coffee is primarily grown on large estates that were built by the Dutch in the 18th century. The five largest estates are Belawan, Dampit, Pancur, Kayumas and Tugosari and they cover more than 4,000 hectares. Java coffee contains a slightly spicy or smoky twist and leaves a sweet impression, very smooth and supple.
Bali
Known as the "Hidden Jewel of Indonesia", Bali produces some of the best coffee coming out of Indonesia. The highland plateau of Kintamani, between the volcanoes of Batukaru and Agung, is the main coffee growing area. These active volcanoes keep the soil fresh with extremely fertile volcanic ash which we know is a boon for coffee plants. Generally, Balinese coffee is carefully processed under tight control, using the wet hulling method. This results in a uplifting citrus flavors of orange with rustic notes of herbs.
Celebes Toraja
Sulawesi Toraja coffee is grown at relatively high altitudes on the island of Sulawesi, which was formerly called Celebes (the Dutch colonial name), located in the middle of the Indonesia’s archipelago. For this reason Toraja coffee is also known as Celebes. Toraja coffees are clean and sound in the cup. They generally display nutty of warm herbs notes. Hints of chocolate are sometimes found. Their sweetness, as with most Indonesian coffees, is closely related to the body of the coffee. The after taste coats the palate on the finish and is smooth and soft.
Flores
The name Flores was given by the Portuguese, from Cabo de Flores (Cape of Flowers), the Portuguese term for the eastern part of the island. Flores is an island 200 miles to the east of Bali. It has rugged terrains with numerous active volcanoes. Flores Arabica coffee is grown at a height of 1,200 to 1,800 meters above sea level. Most of it is grown under shade trees and wet-hulling right there on the farms. The location where it is grown and the processing method gives Flores Arabica a distinctive chocolatey, floral, woody taste.
Papua
Papua used to be called West Papua, Indonesia’s eastern most province. It encompasses the western half of New Guinea and several other islands. An area of cultural and biological diversity, its rainforests and mountains are inhabited by indigenous Melanesian tribes and diverse wildlife including tree kangaroos, birds of paradise and whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay as well. The main coffee growing area is the Baliem Valley, located in the central highlands of the Jayawijaya region, surrounding the town of Wamena. The climate is between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Papua coffee has thick and syrupy body that coats the inside of the mouth, with a medium acidity and hints of caramel & dark chocolate.