Indonesian Robusta Surprises Japanese Coffee Drinkers as KAPPI Showcases Coffee Diversity at SCAJ 2026

JAKARTA, INDONESIA — 29 October 2026 — Can an Indonesian robusta display flavour characteristics reminiscent of arabica? That was one of the intriguing reactions recorded during coffee tasting activities at the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ) 2026 exhibition in Tokyo.

For the Coffee Development and Education Foundation (KAPPI), the observation highlighted an important opportunity: introducing international coffee audiences to the remarkable diversity of Indonesian coffee, including origins and flavour profiles that extend beyond established market expectations.

Participating in SCAJ 2026 from 14 to 16 October, KAPPI worked with Bank Indonesia to showcase selected coffees from farmers participating in the central bank's development programmes.

The presentation connected international coffee appreciation with a broader effort to strengthen farmer capabilities, improve quality consistency and support the export readiness of Indonesian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Looking Beyond Familiar Coffee Names

Indonesia is widely recognised for coffee origins such as Mandheling and Toraja. However, its producing regions offer a much broader range of characteristics shaped by growing environments, varieties, agricultural practices and processing methods.

At SCAJ 2026, KAPPI presented coffees from Aceh Gayo, Mandheling, Java, Bali and Kalosi Toraja, alongside kopi luwak.

Visitors were invited to explore the coffees through aroma evaluation and tasting, offering opportunities to experience differences between origins and production styles.

Among the responses was the comparison between an Indonesian robusta and certain flavour characteristics commonly associated with arabica.

The observation did not suggest that robusta and arabica are interchangeable. Rather, it demonstrated how direct sensory experiences can challenge expectations and encourage a more nuanced appreciation of coffee quality.

Quality Starts Long Before the Cup

For KAPPI, promoting Indonesian coffee internationally is only one part of its mission.

The foundation places considerable emphasis on farmer education and mentoring, recognising that coffee quality is shaped by decisions made throughout the cultivation process.

Its technical education initiatives address soil management, fertilisation, pruning and harvesting practices, helping producers strengthen their agricultural knowledge and improve production consistency.

Roby Wibisono of KAPPI considers international exhibitions valuable opportunities for learning as well as promotion. Feedback from overseas consumers, roasters and buyers provides insights that can inform future producer education and quality-development activities.

This creates a connection between the expectations of international coffee markets and the communities responsible for growing the coffee.

Supporting Smaller Producers Through International Engagement

KAPPI's collaboration with Bank Indonesia at SCAJ 2026 demonstrated how institutional partnerships can support coffee-producing communities seeking access to international markets.

The selected coffees were introduced to Japanese visitors and industry professionals, providing opportunities for producers to gain exposure to different sensory preferences and commercial expectations.

For Indonesian MSMEs, understanding these expectations is an important part of preparing for export, alongside quality consistency, supply capabilities and compliance with destination-market requirements.

Ricky P. Gozali, Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, has emphasised the importance of understanding Japanese coffee preferences and presenting Indonesia's best coffees, with the ultimate objective of expanding export opportunities and improving farmers' livelihoods.

Japanese coffee industry professionals also recognised Indonesia's potential. Yozo Otsuki, CEO of Kyoto-based Kurasu, expressed appreciation for the remarkable diversity of Indonesian coffee and confidence in its future prospects.

Bringing International Insights Back to Farmers

KAPPI's international coffee diplomacy activities have included World Expo Osaka 2025, SCAJ 2025, Foodex Japan 2026, World of Coffee Bangkok 2026 and SCAJ 2026.

These engagements aim to do more than introduce Indonesian coffee to new audiences. They also provide opportunities to understand market expectations and translate those insights into practical support for farming communities.

For Australia's specialty coffee community, where origin characteristics, processing and sensory evaluation are central to coffee appreciation, Indonesia's diversity offers an opportunity for further exploration.

Through farmer education, industry collaboration and international engagement, KAPPI is working to strengthen the foundations of a more inclusive, competitive and sustainable Indonesian coffee industry.

About KAPPI

KAPPI is an Indonesian non-profit coffee development and education foundation supporting farmer education, technical assistance, community and women's empowerment, research, innovation and international coffee diplomacy.

The foundation works with farming communities and institutional partners to strengthen coffee quality, develop producer capabilities and promote the diversity of Indonesian coffee internationally.

Media Contact

Pangesti Boedhiman
Media Relations — KAPPI
Email: pangesti.boedhiman@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +62 813 9926 9922
Indonesia