Sumatera Selatan, known for its strong coffee production, is increasingly focusing on expanding its coffee industry, particularly in the global market. As the leading producer of robusta coffee in Indonesia, the province contributed 26.85% of the total national coffee production in 2022, amounting to 208,04 thousand tons. However, despite its dominant position in production, Sumatera Selatan has not yet fully capitalized on its export potential, trailing behind provinces like Lampung, which accounted for the largest share of Indonesia's coffee exports at 47.2%. This gap raises questions about the province's ability to compete in the global coffee market and how it can leverage its abundant coffee resources more effectively. The challenge lies in expanding the export chain and developing stronger international connections, even as domestic consumption of coffee continues to grow rapidly.
In response, the provincial government has been making strides to enhance Sumatera Selatan's coffee exports. The launch of the "Kopi Sumsel" brand in 2024 is one such effort, aimed at increasing the recognition of Sumatera Selatan coffee worldwide. Additionally, the government has been active in participating in global coffee events, including one in South Korea, to raise awareness of Sumatera Selatan's unique coffee. Another milestone came in September 2024 when the first export of Sumatera Selatan's robusta coffee beans was facilitated through the Boom Baru Port in Palembang to Malaysia. This event, which saw 19.8 tons of coffee exported, marked a significant step towards making Sumatera Selatan a major player in the international coffee market. With the right strategies for improving production processes, building collaborations, and strengthening supply chains, Sumatera Selatan has the potential to become a leading coffee hub in Indonesia and beyond.
