The Surya Abadi Kayumas cooperative, which operates around the village of Kayumas on the island of Java, Indonesia, is an example of organic coffee production on small plots atypical in a region dominated by large government run coffee estates established by the Dutch in the 18th century. This coffee was cultivated by small producers whose average farm size is around 5 acres. Through the cooperative producers also have access to credit and income diversification programs.
Processing Details
During the harvest, producers deliver their cherries to the Surya Abadi Kayumas mill where it is sorted, depulped, fermented, washed and dried to 35 percent moisture. Next the coffee takes a detour from the conventional path of processing in other origins, wherein, the coffee parchment is removed while the coffee still has the high moisture content. This wet-hulling process, called Giling Basah in the Indonesian language, leaves the coffee bean exposed while drying on patios to a moisture percentage acceptable for export. This Indonesian processing method gives the bean its unique bluish color and the hallmark Indonesian profile.
Exporting Details
With Indonesian coffees, half the battle is overcoming logistical challenges like rugged roads and unpredictable torrents of rain. Surya Abadi Kayumas partners with an export company called PT Indokom to take on an important role in organizing local warehouses and transportation so farmers can overcome these challenges. PT Indokom also coordinates the dry-mill process to swiftly bring the coffee to the international market, ensuring greater earnings for producers.
