Bener Meriah, One of the Main Gayo Coffee Producing Areas

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Gayo Coffee is widely known as one of Indonesia’s distinctive coffee varieties. It originates from the highlands of Aceh.

One of its main production areas is Bener Meriah Regency, located in the Bukit Barisan mountain range. Bener Meriah is a regency in Aceh Province that was established in 2003 after being separated from Central Aceh Regency. Its capital is Simpang Tiga Redelong, while much of the region consists of highlands and hilly terrain.

These geographical conditions support agricultural and plantation activities, including Arabica coffee cultivation. Coffee plantations are an important part of economic activity for communities in Bener Meriah.

Along with Central Aceh Regency, Bener Meriah is part of the Gayo Arabica coffee-producing region. Coffee from the area is known for its distinctive aroma and complex flavor profile, with relatively low acidity.

The characteristics of Gayo Coffee are closely linked to the environment where it is cultivated. Elevation, temperature, soil conditions, and post-harvest processing are among the factors that influence the coffee’s characteristics.

Gayo Arabica Coffee has also received recognition through Geographical Indication certification. The recognition reflects the connection between the coffee’s characteristics and the geographical area where it is produced.

Coffee production also involves local communities at various stages, from cultivation and harvesting to processing and trading. The coffee is then exported to various countries, making it one of Indonesia’s commodities recognized in the international market.

For Bener Meriah, coffee is not only a plantation commodity but also part of the region’s identity and a source of livelihood for local communities. With its highland landscape and coffee plantations stretching across the Bukit Barisan mountain range, Bener Meriah plays an important role in bringing the distinctive taste of Gayo Coffee from Aceh to the global market.