Govt Pushes for Coffee Roaster Competency Improvement Amid Consumption Growth

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is encouraging improvements in the national coffee industry amid rising consumption trends. To support this effort, the Ministry of Industry, through the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), organized a Competency Certification Program for Coffee Roasters.

The program, aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), was held at the Amuya Coffee Academy in Central Jakarta on April 15–16, 2026. Seventeen participants from coffee SMEs across Greater Jakarta took part in the training.

Director General of IKMA, Reni Yanita, said the initiative was designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of coffee industry practitioners, particularly roasting teams. “This program focuses on the technical aspects and competencies of roasting, while also improving the competitiveness and quality of the coffee industry,” Reni said in Jakarta on Saturday, April 25, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

Data from the National Industrial Information System (SIINas) shows that Indonesia has 1,501 coffee processing SMEs and 78 large-scale industrial companies in the sector. In addition, 21 coffee processing SME hubs are spread across various regions nationwide.

Reni emphasized that boosting the competitiveness of coffee SMEs is part of the government’s broader plan to maximize the potential of Indonesia’s coffee industry. The effort also seeks to maintain Indonesia’s position as the world’s fourth-largest coffee producer, after Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, Indonesia exported 117,500 tons of processed coffee in 2024. The main destinations included Malaysia, Timor-Leste, China, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia.

Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, highlighted that demand for higher-quality coffee products is increasing alongside consumption growth. “Consumers today do not merely drink coffee. They increasingly understand and appreciate the quality, flavor, and uniqueness of each serving,” he said.

Minister Agus stressed that every stage of coffee processing requires careful attention, particularly roasting, which plays a strategic role in determining the final product's quality.

Data from the International Coffee Organization (ICO) shows that Indonesia’s coffee consumption has grown by 50.02 percent over the past decade. Meanwhile, Euromonitor reports that the number of cafes in Indonesia is expanding by 16 percent annually.

Director of Food, Furniture, and Building Materials SMEs, Afrizal Haris, added that competency certification for coffee roasters provides official recognition of their skills and knowledge. “Certification not only ensures competency standards but also enhances business credibility among consumers, partners, and wider markets,” Afrizal said.

“With this certification, coffee SMEs are expected to strengthen competitiveness, expand market access, and advance toward becoming more professional and sustainable industries,” he concluded. ***