Java Preanger, the Global ‘A Cup Of Java’

It is undeniable that Indonesia is the fourth largest coffee producer in the world after Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia. Being one of the largest coffee producers is not something new for Indonesia. Apparently, Indonesia’s track record in the coffee industry has occurred since Indonesia was controlled by the Dutch colonials, namely in 1696. So, it is not surprising that until now Indonesia has coffee production with an average of 639 thousand tons per year (72.84 percent robusta coffee and 27.16 percent arabica type coffee).

Want to know about Javapreanger Specialty Coffee? 7 Facts about Java Preanger Coffee, Once the Number One Coffee in the World

Then, what coffee was famous at that time?

The island of Java was the first place where coffee entered Indonesia. Hearing the region, not far from our discussion this time is Java Preanger Coffee. Yes, this coffee became a famous coffee at that time, even today. Because, the coffee is a witness to the history of the entry of coffee in Indonesia. Through this Java Preanger, the term ‘A Cup of Java’ emerged.

History of Java Preanger
Java Preanger is a historic Indonesian coffee that originated from the forced planting system in the 17th century. The name Preanger was used by the Dutch when referring to the Priangan area in the Malabar Mountains region of West Java.

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At that time, the Dutch Government saw potential in Java, especially the Priangan area. Then, they built and developed coffee plantations in Indonesia which would later be exported to the Netherlands and other European countries.

Initially, the Mayor of Amsterdam, Nicholas Witsen in 1696 asked the commander of the Dutch troops in Malabar, Adrian Van Ommen to bring Arabica coffee seeds to Indonesia.

Unfortunately, the coffee seeds that were brought failed to harvest due to flooding. Then, the Dutch Government’s efforts to develop coffee in Indonesia were carried out again in 1699.

The first experiment was conducted in Pondok Kopi, Batavia. Seeing the success that occurred, the Government began to establish and develop coffee plantations in the Priangan region, West Java.

Going Global
The success in developing coffee plantations can be seen from the spread of coffee fields throughout Java Island in 1750. The first distribution of Indonesian coffee beans took place in 1711. The first exports were made from Java to Europe involving a Dutch-owned trading organization known as Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC).

The VOC began to monopolize the coffee trade in 1725 until 1780. Since then, Indonesia has been known as the largest coffee-producing country in the world.

At that time, the VOC made an agreement that required the natives to plant coffee and the results must be submitted to the VOC. This system is known as Koffiestelsel (Coffee System).

The quality of Indonesian coffee beans produced does not disappoint consumers, especially for the European region. Coffee from Java, which we know as Java Preanger, is so famous in Europe.

It is so famous that Europeans often call it ‘A Cup of Java’ and no longer call it ‘A Cup of Coffee’ when drinking coffee. Until the 19th century, Java Preanger was the best coffee in the world.

Java Preanger is often grown at an altitude of around 1000 meters above sea level in accordance with the characteristics of Arabica coffee. The spread of Java Preanger plantations itself includes several areas whose names are now familiar to specialty coffee fans such as Mount Cikuray, Mount Papandayan, Mount Malabar, Mount Caringin, Mount Halu, Mount Patuha, Mount Tilu, Mount Beser, Mount Burangrang, Mount Tangkuban Perahu, and Mount Manglayang.

Java Preanger Variety
Java Preanger Coffee beans come from Arabica coffee plants grown at an altitude of more than 1000 meters above sea level. The region is categorized as a climate and soil region suitable for cultivating Arabica coffee.

The seedlings are planted with ecological principles that pay attention to the environment, and use organic fertilizers with the concept of Low External-Input and Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA).

The Arabica coffee varieties preserved are Ateng, Linea 795, Sigararutang, Kartika, Timtim, and Andung Sari. Java Preanger is the pride of Indonesia, especially West Java. The success of Java Preanger Coffee then began to emerge coffee from various regions, such as Sumatra, Bali, Sulawesi, and the Timor Islands.

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