Papua's small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneur, Yafet Wetipo, has acknowledged the growing international interest in Papua's coffee. Currently, Wetipo, along with the local coffee community, is encouraging farmers to actively cultivate their coffee plantations. "I am also collecting coffee for export to Singapore," stated Wetipo in Jayapura on Wednesday, 12 June 2024. Wetipo has previously exported coffee to Singapore twice and is now exploring opportunities in Japan by sending samples first. This export success is attributed to the support from various parties, particularly Bank Indonesia, which consistently supports coffee farmers, along with assistance from BNI. "We also received support from Jayapura Customs through their export clinic, which helps with export documentation," Wetipo added, noting that the exported coffee is in processed or powdered form. He acknowledged that his export activities are made possible by the combined efforts of the government, banking sector, customs, and quarantine services.
Wetipo emphasized that collaboration is key to harnessing Papua's full potential for export and gaining international recognition. "We are currently encouraging the community to plant more coffee trees, both in highland areas such as those in Papua Highlands Province and in lowland areas across Papua," he said. The coffee plants cultivated in various regions of Papua Highlands are of the Arabica variety, while those in the lowlands are predominantly Robusta, according to Wetipo. With concerted efforts from all stakeholders, Papua's coffee industry is poised for further growth and greater international reach.
