The Government of Garut Regency, West Java, aims to plant 770 thousand coffee trees in 2024 to boost annual coffee production, capitalizing on the robust market demand for Arabica coffee. Deputy Regent Helmi Budiman expressed optimism during the Coffee Planting Movement event in Sukalilah Village, Sukaresmi District, Garut, stating that this year alone, 770 thousand coffee seedlings have been planted across various districts in Garut. The initiative, led by the Garut Regency Government through the Garut Agriculture Office, involves the cultivation of Arabica coffee, with Sukalilah Village seeing the plantation of 35 thousand coffee trees. Helmi emphasized the strategic importance of expanding coffee cultivation, citing the high domestic demand for Garut's coffee in several regions and even international inquiries. Garut has approximately 8 thousand hectares of coffee plantations, including cooperative arrangements with Perhutani and privately owned lands. Helmi highlighted the existing export activities but noted that the current production levels need enhancement to meet increasing demands.
The Deputy Regent expressed hope that the coffee sector's development in Garut would not only enhance productivity but also generate financial benefits, ultimately leading to improved prosperity for the local community. Helmi aspires for a dual impact – increased production and sustained or elevated coffee prices – to ensure the community reaps sufficient profits for their well-being. Haeruman, the Head of the Garut Agriculture Office, outlined the distribution of the 770 thousand coffee seedlings across various regions, including Sukaresmi, Pakenjeng, Malangbong, Cibatu, Cigedug, and Kersamanah districts. He highlighted Garut's coffee productivity, averaging 2 to 3 thousand tons of raw coffee beans annually, distributed to several cities in Indonesia. Haeruman acknowledged the unique characteristics of Garut's coffee, such as its distinctive flavor, aroma, and extraordinary richness, making it a sought-after commodity. He pointed out that the annual harvest is consistently in high demand, especially from locations like Medan, given the exceptional qualities that set Garut's coffee apart from other varieties in Indonesia. The concerted efforts in coffee plantations aim not only to meet local demand but also to elevate Garut's position in the international coffee market.
