Indonesia, a global coffee powerhouse, is experiencing a coffee renaissance as local purveyors tap into the country's rich tapestry of coffee varieties to craft enticing brews and attract a diverse customer base.

The Directorate General of Intellectual Property, operating under Indonesia's Law and Human Rights Ministry, has officially recognized at least 48 types of homegrown arabica, robusta, and liberica coffee beans. These beans, hailing from regions spanning Sumatra to Papua, are granted the Geographical Indication label, certifying their quality and origin.

Despite this recognition, the ministry estimates that there are more than 300 coffee types in Indonesia, underscoring the nation's unparalleled diversity in the coffee sector.

Described as a "coffee lover's heaven" by Anton Apriyantono, a former agriculture minister, Indonesia boasts a multitude of coffee experiences, each reflecting the uniqueness of its region.

Kopi Titik Koma, a coffee shop chain based in Surabaya, has capitalized on this diversity since its rebranding in 2021. With over 50 stores in 20 cities, mainly on Java, the chain offers a signature iced milk coffee with palm sugar, sourced from West Java's robusta and arabica beans. According to Andrew Prasetya Goenardi, Titik Koma's co-founder and CEO, the brand believes in using Indonesian coffee beans for an authentic taste.

Despite a decline in raw coffee bean exports, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts Indonesia to be the world's fourth-largest coffee producer in 2023-2024, following Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia. Unfavorable weather conditions have affected production, leading to reduced supplies and a shift in the market.

Anton notes that despite lower raw bean exports, the demand for coffee extract and other processed coffee products has surged, both domestically and internationally.

Indonesian coffee chains are adapting to market dynamics. Kopi Titik Koma, facing the challenge of avoiding a "discount war," opened a franchise model in 2019. Meanwhile, Koultoura Coffee, with two cafes in Jakarta, is striving to popularize Indonesian brews with a blend of local and international beans.

Both chains are eyeing international markets. Fore Coffee has already expanded to Singapore, while Kopi Kenangan has established its first overseas venture in Kuala Lumpur. Titik Koma and Koultoura plan to follow suit, with ambitions of global expansion.

As the world takes notice of Indonesia's diverse coffee culture, these local chains are not only satisfying the palates of their compatriots but are also gearing up to make their mark on the international coffee scene.