Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) Conference 2025 officially opened yesterday at Tokyo Big Sight, bringing together the global coffee community. While featuring hundreds of exhibitors, the strong presence of Indonesian coffee underscored its long-standing and cherished relationship with Japanese coffee enthusiasts.

Indonesia's participation, anchored by KAPPI (Yayasan Pendidikan Pengembangan Perkopian Indonesia) and the Indonesian House of Beans (supported by the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and Bank Indonesia), was a deliberate effort to reinforce the nation's coffee heritage. The message is clear: Indonesian coffee is more than a commodity; it is a cultural legacy that holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese consumers.

A Cherished Legacy and a Forward-Looking Mission

For generations, unique Indonesian beans like Mandheling and Toraja have been foundational to Japan's coffee culture. This enduring appreciation makes continued promotion and, crucially, the pursuit of exceptional quality essential for Indonesia.

KAPPI is leading this dual effort of promotion and preservation. At the SCAJ, the organization is not only showcasing a diverse range of premium beans but also sharing the stories behind the cup through documentary films by director Budi Kurniawan, including his newest works House of Cula and Mantra of Kahwa.

"For me, coffee is a medium for storytelling. Through these films, I try to capture the soul of Indonesian coffee: the story of the people, nature, and culture that accompany it," said Budi Kurniawan, the coffee documentary director.

Educating Farmers for a Glorious Future

The core of KAPPI's mission—and the key to sustaining the quality Japan expects—is farmer education. This commitment to the source ensures that Indonesian coffee's quality and unique characteristics are preserved for the future.

Roby Wibisono, Head Representative of KAPPI, explained the strategy: "Our role is to ensure Indonesian coffee is present not just as a product, but as a national heritage and source of pride. Following our designation as the Official Coffee Partner at the Osaka World Expo 2025, our presence at SCAJ shows we are serious about bringing the best of our farmers to the global stage."

Emphasizing the long-term view, Moelyono Soesilo added, "To restore the full glory of Indonesian coffee in Japan, we must focus on two fundamental things: education for farmers and proper pesticide use education. These two elements are the foundation for securing the future quality of Indonesian coffee."

KAPPI (Yayasan Pendidikan Pengembangan Perkopian Indonesia) is a non-profit organization established to foster a resilient generation of coffee farmers through education, research, and promotion, connecting farmers, industry players, and global consumers.

Reporter: PR Wire
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