The Provincial Government (Pemprov) of East Java (Jatim) is trying to optimize coffee production in order to restore the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. Various types of coffee and its processing in East Java have great potential as a commodity to be pushed to the national and international stage. "Coffee is part of a lifestyle that cannot be separated from people's daily lives at any age level. Coffee is also a part of social interaction in society. This is a commodity that has a tremendous impact on the people's economy," said the Acting Governor of East Java, Emil Elestianto Dardak, Wednesday (6/7/2022). Emil added, as part of the ring of fire, East Java has many mountainous areas with certain areas that can be used for the development of coffee plantations. Starting from Mount Ijen, Bromo, Tengger, Semeru, Wilis, Argopuro, Arjuno and Kelud. "In Jombang there is an exception that Excelsa can be planted at an elevation that is not too high, Excelsa, there is Robusta and Arabica," he said. The East Java Provincial Government, he said, provided support from upstream to downstream so that East Java coffee could be recognized and increase export capacity as well as one of East Java's leading export products. This was done through support from the Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag) and the East Java Plantation Service (Disbun).
"We facilitate it through Disperindag from the upstream side, in the plantation office, of course, with services from all parties, we encourage strengthening," he explained. He explained that East Java also has a Coffee and Cocoa Research Center or Puslitkoka in Jember, as well as a science techno park and an agricultural technology park, one of which is in Trenggalek. "This is a center of excellence to strengthen from the upstream side," he explained. One of the difficulties for coffee farmers, he said, is rejuvenating the coffee tree itself. In the end they only survive with trees that are actually less productive. However, when they are about to be replaced, they are afraid of losing cash flow. "From here Bank Jatim through agro-financing schemes can also enter," he said.
Meanwhile, data from the East Java Disbun show that in 2018 the total coffee plantation area was 113,124 hectares with a production of 66,618 tons. Then in 2019, the planted area increased to 113,332 hectares with a production of 68,114 tons. In 2020, the coffee area in East Java in 2020 will increase again to 113,424 hectares with a production of 68,884 tons. Meanwhile, in 2021 the land area will be 113,470 hectares with a production of 69,570 tons.
