Sunday, March 26, 2023
Geographical Factors Contributing to the Quality of Bondowoso's Arabica Coffee
Suarajatim.com - Bondowoso's distinctive Arabica coffee has received international recognition, with one-third of its Java Ijen Raung Arabica coffee production penetrating the European market.
Legend has it that a Dutch coffee connoisseur was amazed by the aroma and taste of a cup of coffee he had in Italy, prompting him to search for its origin. He traveled to various regions of Indonesia, from Aceh to Toraja, before discovering the same coffee he had tasted in Italy in Bondowoso. He then became a regular buyer of coffee products from Bondowoso.
Bondowoso's Arabica coffee has gained international recognition due to its unique taste.
"This coffee is grown at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, resulting in a distinct flavor compared to other Arabica coffees that are widely distributed throughout Indonesia," explained Herlin Setianingsih, one of the coffee activists in Bondowoso.
Bondowoso is surrounded by mountains, including Kendeng Utara with its peak, Mount Raung, and Mount Ijen to the east. In addition, the foot of Hyang Mountain with its peaks, Mount Argopuro, Mount Krincing, and Mount Kilap are located to the west.
Meanwhile, Mount Alas Sereh, Mount Biser, and Mount Bendusa are on the north side. Such geographic location makes Bondowoso have a relatively cool air temperature ranging from 15.40 to 25.10 degrees Celsius.
"The climatic conditions in Bondowoso that are suitable for coffee cultivation have prompted the government to further develop Bondowoso's coffee potential as a program to reduce poverty in Bondowoso," said Herlin.
Based on data from the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), as many as 152,348 households in Bondowoso are classified as pre-prosperous.
Meanwhile, households engaged in agriculture reached 91,947 or about 60 percent of the total pre-prosperous households. They are spread across 3 sub-districts and 25 villages.
Therefore, Bondowoso is targeted to produce more coffee. According to data, Indonesia's coffee production is still lagging behind Vietnam, which produces 2.7 million tons of coffee per hectare with a total coffee plantation area of only 630,000 hectares.
Meanwhile, Indonesia, which has a total coffee plantation area of 1.2 million hectares, has a productivity rate of only 500 kilograms per hectare.
Herlin said that the unique flavor of Bondowoso's coffee variants makes it easy to attract coffee lovers, even from overseas.
"We even have a honey variant that is popular among women. It has a sweet taste with a hint of chocolate aroma. Additionally, when processed using a certain method, Java Raung Arabica coffee can bring out a minty taste," said Herlin.
Since the early 19th century, Bondowoso has been closely associated with the history of coffee in Indonesia. Today, the potential of coffee is once again being used as a foundation to elevate the dignity and welfare of the people of Bondowoso.
"Good cooperation that has been established by various parties, such as Puslitkoka, the Coffee Farmers Association, banks, and others, must be maintained and improved. This will help increase the branding of Bondowoso's coffee, which will have a positive impact on the wider community of Bondowoso," concluded Herlin.