South Sumatra (Sumsel), Indonesia's leading coffee-producing province, is set to make its mark on the international stage with its inaugural coffee exports to Australia and Malaysia. The shipment, scheduled for January 20, 2025, from Boom Baru Port, signifies a pivotal moment for Sumsel's coffee industry, aiming to enhance global recognition and improve the livelihoods of local coffee farmers.

Elen Setiadi, the Acting Governor of Sumsel, emphasized the province's significant role in Indonesia's coffee production, stating, "Sumsel is the largest coffee producer in Indonesia. With this coffee export, Sumsel's coffee can be recognized internationally." He highlighted the establishment of a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing harvesting to financing, facilitated by relevant stakeholders, ensuring the sustainability of coffee exports.

The initial export will comprise 78.3 tons of coffee beans, including 19.5 tons of green beans destined for Australia—9 tons of Arabica grade 1 specialty from Semendo, Muara Enim, and 10.2 tons of Robusta grade 1 from Pagar Alam. Additionally, 39.6 tons of Robusta grade 4 green beans from Pagar Alam are slated for Malaysia.

Chief Executive Officer of PT Agri Ekspor Indonesia noted the substantial demand for Sumsel coffee in Malaysia and Australia, expressing optimism about future exports to other markets, including Dubai. He stated, "In the future, Sumsel coffee can be exported to Dubai because of the high demand in that country."

To comply with international standards, the coffee beans destined for Malaysia will undergo fumigation using methyl bromide at a dosage of 48 grams per cubic meter. This process, adhering to the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measure (ISPM) No. 43, ensures the beans are free from pests, meeting the import requirements of the destination country. Kontan Manalu, Head of the Sumsel Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center, explained, "Each export destination country has its own rules and protocols."

Sumsel's prominence in Indonesia's coffee industry is well-established. In 2022, the province led the nation in coffee production, yielding approximately 208,043 metric tons.

This substantial output underscores the province's capacity to meet international demand and its potential to expand its market reach.The strategic move to export coffee is anticipated to elevate the welfare of local farmers by providing access to broader markets and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Elen Setiadi remarked, "From this coffee, coffee farmers can live prosperously, and Sumsel coffee continues to be exported abroad."

This development aligns with Indonesia's broader economic objectives, leveraging its rich agricultural resources to penetrate global markets. The successful export of Sumsel coffee could serve as a model for other regions, promoting the country's diverse coffee varieties on the international stage.

As Sumsel's coffee prepares to embark on its journey to Australia and Malaysia, it symbolizes not only a triumph for the province's agricultural sector but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of government bodies, private enterprises, and local farmers in achieving economic growth through international trade.