Climate, soil and technique lie behind top quality coffee
CONDITIONS ARE IDEAL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GOURMET COFFEE, BUT NOW INVESTMENT IS NEEDED TO PROTECT AGAINST VOLATILITY IN THE WORLD MARKET

TRADEMARK JAVA Coffee is produced from Arabica beans on four estates, lying some 4,800ft above sea level.

DIVERSIFICATION has led PTPN XII to produce rubber on its plantations, as well as tea, flowers and fruit. The company is also the largest producer of cocoa and is developing agro-tourism business.

American coffee gourmets are already familiar with the speciality coffees of Indonesia. What makes the coffee so good is a combination of climate, soil and the way in which it is grown.
Since it was established in 1996 through the merger of three state-owned plantation companies, PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII (PTPN XII) has made an international name for itself for its aromatic and intensely-flavored coffee.

PTPN XII is the largest coffee producer in Indonesia, as well as the biggest cocoa producer. It also produces tea, rubber, flowers and fruit and is developing a thriving agro-tourism business.
The company cultivates more than 140,000 acres of plantations in East Java, spread over 11 regencies. PTPN XII employs some 10,500 workers and a further 43,000 people depend on the activities of the company, which also runs two hospitals.
Its trademark Java Coffee is produced from Arabica coffee grown on four estates – Blawan, Jampit, Pancoer and Kayumas, at around 4,800ft on the Ijen Plateau. The estates were established more than 100 years ago under the Dutch colonialists.

Robusta coffee is grown in a similar fashion at 14 estates throughout East Java: Satak, Bangelan, Sumber Jeru, Gunung Gambir, Zeelandia, Rayap, Mumbal, Kalisanen, Silosanen, Gunung Gumitir, Tanah Manis, Malangsari, Kendeng Lembu, Sumber Jambe and Kaliselogiri.
The coffee is cultivated by eco-friendly methods under tree shade wherever possible. The emphasis is on sustainable production without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The coffee beans are subject to a rigorous quality assurance system, and tests are conducted on a continuous basis to guarantee consistency in taste.
The method of grading coffee beans is known as the ‘defect value system’ and is carried out by teams of specially trained female workers.

Around 85 percent of the Arabica coffee is exported, mainly to the United States. A similar percentage of Robusta coffee is exported, mainly to Europe and Japan.
Downstream coffee enterprises include the production of coffee powder sold under the Rolas trademark. Tea is also sold under the Rolas brand.

WAYAN TANTRA President Director of Plantation XII

Because of the volatility of the international coffee markets, PTPN XII management is searching for US partners or associates to ensure the long-term future of the company. “We are seeking the opportunity of a partnership in the area of producing coffee-based consumer goods,” says Wayan Tantra, the company’s first director.
Pressure from environmentalists also means that PTPN XII is determined to maintain its eco-friendly production methods and it has committed itself to forest restoration by planting new trees. Ultimately, the company plans to plant some ten million trees.
Another plan is to raise cattle – as many as 10,000 head – which would also yield sufficient dung for organic fertilizer. PTPN XII also plans to establish a waste treatment plant so as not to pollute the environment.
Thousands of people depend on the company, and PTPN XII is very aware of its social obligations. To this end, the company aims to continue its policy of providing decent housing, health services and primary education for its labor force and their families.