Indonesia is a vast archipelago made up of thousands of islands, and for centuries, it has been one of the most important regions in the world for coffee cultivation. From the lush highlands of Sumatra to the volcanic slopes of Java, the country is known for producing some of the most distinctive and storied coffees in the world. Here are five fascinating things you should know about Indonesian coffee.
1. A Rich History of Coffee Cultivation
Coffee has been grown in Indonesia since 1696. The story began when the Dutch, who were cultivating coffee in their Indian colony of Malabar, decided to expand their coffee empire by sending seedlings to their colony of Batavia - now known as Jakarta, Indonesia. The Dutch East India Company quickly saw the potential of Indonesia’s fertile lands, and by the 1700s, the island of Java had become a global powerhouse in the coffee trade.
Coffee being dried in Indonesia.
2. The Origin of the Term "Java"
Ever wondered why coffee is sometimes referred to as "Java"? The answer lies in Indonesia’s coffee history. The island of Java was one of the first places where coffee was grown on a large scale, and for a time, nearly all the coffee shipped to Europe came from Java. Over time, "Java" became synonymous with coffee itself, a term that is still widely used in the United States today.
3. A Diverse Coffee Landscape
While Java is the most famous island for coffee, it is far from the only one. Indonesian coffee is grown across Sumatra, Sulawesi, Flores, and Bali. Among these, Sumatra is perhaps the most renowned, with its high-altitude farms, rich volcanic soil, and unique wet climate - perfect conditions for producing bold, complex coffees.
4. A Unique Flavour Profile
Indonesian coffee has a distinctive taste that is unlike any other. Known for their big, bold body and low acidity, Indonesian coffees often carry earthy, woody, spicy, or even herbal notes. This unique flavour is largely a result of the traditional "Wet Hulled" or "Giling Basah" processing method used across much of the country. This method gives Indonesian coffee a rich, rustic, and sometimes polarising character - some love it, while others find it too strong.
Pete roasting some coffee in Indonesia, old school style.
5. The Myth and Reality of Kopi Luwak
Perhaps the most famous (or infamous) Indonesian coffee is Kopi Luwak, often referred to as "cat poo coffee." This luxury coffee is made using beans that have been eaten and excreted by the civet cat, a small nocturnal animal. The idea is that the civet’s digestive enzymes impart a unique flavour to the beans. While it is often marketed as one of the world’s finest (and most expensive) coffees, in reality, it is often underwhelming. Even worse, the high price of Kopi Luwak has led to unethical practices, with civets being caged and force-fed beans in poor conditions.
Some Kopi Luwak coffee in raw form.
Is Indonesian Coffee Right for You?
Indonesian coffee is bold, complex, and steeped in history. Whether you love its earthy, spicy character or prefer a brighter, fruitier cup, there is no denying that Indonesian coffee has a unique story to tell. The next time you sip on a Sumatra, Java, or even a cup of Kopi Luwak, you’ll know a little more about the history and culture behind your brew.
