Indonesia eyes Gayo coffee to drive exports, farmer incomes

Indonesia’s agriculture ministry has announced plans to significantly expand Gayo coffee production in Aceh province to enhance export capabilities and improve farmer incomes. The move comes as the region’s renowned specialty coffee gains international recognition, positioning it as a key driver for the nation’s plantation sector. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that the government will prioritize expanding Gayo coffee exports, leveraging its global reputation to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global coffee market. The initiative involves planting 17 million Gayo Arabica seedlings across approximately 17,000 hectares of land in Aceh, targeting both large-scale and smallholder farms. This effort is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the supply chain and ensure consistent quality for the world-renowned coffee, which is grown in the volcanic highlands of northern Sumatra. According to local government data, coffee cultivation in Aceh contributes around Rp4 trillion (about US$246 million) annually to the economy. The government has already supported the planting of nearly 17 million coffee trees in production centers throughout the region. Sulaiman emphasized that continued expansion depends on farmers maintaining their current crops to improve productivity. He also highlighted the role of regional agricultural offices in Aceh, which have strengthened nurseries and provided technical support to enhance the quality of coffee plants. These efforts have helped sustain the high standards of Gayo coffee, which is celebrated for its rich body, low acidity, and complex flavors, qualities that make it highly desirable among global roasters. The ministry’s goal extends beyond immediate production increases. It aims to transform Gayo coffee into a globally recognized brand, building on the success of Indonesia’s plantation exports, which reached about Rp40 trillion (approximately US$2.46 billion) in 2025. Officials have set ambitious targets, aiming to double or even triple that figure within the coming years. “We want Gayo coffee to become a global brand,” Sulaiman said. “Our plantation exports have reached Rp40 trillion, and we aim to increase that to Rp100 trillion or even Rp200 trillion.” The expansion plan includes additional funding for future developments, contingent on successful crop maintenance by local farmers. The minister expressed confidence in the potential of Gayo coffee to gain wider international attention, suggesting that making the coffee more accessible could help solidify its place in global markets. “We are delivering Gayo coffee, and it has now gone global,” he remarked. “So, how can we make Gayo coffee shake the world? If necessary, let the whole world taste Gayo coffee.” This push for expansion follows recent efforts to promote Gayo coffee internationally, including participation in coffee tasting events in cities such as Amsterdam, where thousands of visitors sampled the product. The government’s focus on quality control and standardized seed distribution aims to address past challenges, such as inconsistent yields and aging trees, which have occasionally hindered export capacity. By investing in modern cultivation techniques and supporting smallholders, officials hope to create a sustainable and competitive coffee industry that benefits both producers and consumers.