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LAST WEEK officials from related units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Economic Acceleration and Recovery Team) and senior ambassadors in[1]charge-of coffee diplomacy conducted an informal discussion which focused on Indonesia’s coffee prospect in 2022.
Some of the coffee exporters presents were; Daroe Handojo (Nooskav Nusantara Kopi); Adi Wicaksono Taroepratjeka (Director for 5758 Coffee Lab); Renata Bukvić-Letica (Director for Marketing, Tanamera); and Ivan Hartanto (Manager of Belift Green Beans).
The participants welcomed the report from the Central Bureau of Statistics and data from the International Coffee Organization, indicating that Indonesian coffee has risen in popularity during the pandemic. At the meeting, participants have also concurred that despite the economic obstacles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesian entrepreneurs have continued to promote and amplify the message of Indonesian products abroad.
A particular issue that has been a challenge for both exporters and importers of Indonesian coffee relates to the quality of the coffee and time of arrival. Other matters related to external issues are transportation, logistics and containers. Should these issues remain unresolved, a major threat to the sustainability of coffee exports persists.
Business representatives noted the increased activities of Indonesian Embassies and Consulate Generals abroad in supporting coffee promotion activities. The coffee exporters were of the view that that involving Indonesian diaspora will provide direct economic impact to Indonesian coffee producers.
Another factor that became the focus of the meeting was environmental issues. On this occasion, participants also appreciated the commitment of the Indonesian government in COP-26 on Climate Change in Glasgow November 2021. Sustainability, food security, farmer empowerment and environmental protection, are several topics that were addressed. With a fertile area for coffee cultivation, it is commensurate with Indonesia’s strong commitment to climate change.
A study from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), a German development agency, stated that due to climate change, in the next 30 years coffee might experience a decline in quality if its sustainability is not maintained. Therefore, cooperation with decent universities in the field of coffee research needs to be improved.
Several initiatives of the Head of Indonesian Representatives abroad that have been carried out in 2021 and have produced results need to be followed up. These initiatives include the provision of coffee tasting tests, coffee cupping/coffee tasting followed by business matching.
The coffee introduction program for junior diplomats was well received by experts and coffee exporters. Mid-level Indonesian diplomats are expected to also continue these efforts in 2022.
Considering that in 2022 Indonesia will host high-level events such as G20, there are strong prospects that the promotion of Indonesian coffee can be intensified at such events.
At the discussion, experts agree that coffee diplomacy must be intensified in 2022. This is considering that economic diplomacy is the main mission in Indonesia’s diplomatic activities.
Coffee is one of the export commodities used to promote Indonesian culture abroad, as well as having potential value to support the economy. [traveltext.id]
