Variety: Typica, Bourbon, S795
Producers: Farmers from 10 villages in the Abmisibil area
Processor: Highland Coffee - Yafeth Wetipo
Importer: This Side Up
Processing: Washed
Tropical fruit - Round & vibrant - herbal
Coffee plantations have existed for centuries in Papua but have never been the primary source of income. Most farmers traditionally grew fruits and vegetables for sustenance. However, in recent years, the rising prices of Arabica coffee in Indonesia have made coffee farming an attractive source of income. In Papua, where over 30% of the population lives below the poverty line, producing high-quality coffee has the potential to improve livelihoods significantly.
Yafeth Wetipo, a coffee roaster and processor, founded Highland Coffee in 2014 to help farmers earn higher incomes and improve their quality of life. Partnering with farmers from 10 villages, Yafeth paid premium prices for high-quality beans, encouraging better production practices. The challenges, however, remain significant. Papua’s history of resource exploitation, political tensions, poor infrastructure, and high transportation costs due to adverse weather continue to hinder progress. Limited technical knowledge and market access also make it difficult for many farmers to consistently produce high-quality coffee.
Front cover: IG @ditastuch