Maluku Legal Team and IP Experts Verify Identity of Tani Huamal Coffee

RRI.CO.ID, Ambon - A significant step has been taken to protect Maluku’s natural heritage through the substantive examination of the legendary coffee from West Seram (SBB), Tuni Huamual Coffee. The two-day assistance program, held from April 14 to 15, 2026, was centered in Waesala Village, Huamual Subdistrict, Maluku Province.

The Maluku Ministry of Law team, alongside Geographical Indication (GI) experts from the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) and the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute, conducted a thorough verification to ensure the quality and distinctive characteristics of the local pride.

This examination involved a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Literacy and Development Agency, the SBB Regency Agriculture Agency, the Industry and Trade Agency, and local farmers organized under the Geographical Indication Protection Society (MPIG).

On the first day, the expert team traversed the coffee forests to personally inspect the trees and post-harvest processing methods. This field visit aimed to synchronize real-world conditions with the submitted description documents.

The second day focused on intensive discussions between experts and farmers to refine the documentation and ensure the preservation of the region's specific quality standards.

Based on laboratory tests and physical field analysis, experts identified Tani Huamual Coffee as a Robusta variety. However, the process revealed an interesting dynamic because the MPIG and local farmers maintain a firm belief in the unique nature of their local variety and have yet to fully accept the results of the identification. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)