Tokyo, Japan. The aroma of Indonesian coffee filled the halls of Tokyo Big Sight in the middle of October 2026 as KAPPI, the Coffee Development and Education Foundation, presented a curated selection of the country’s finest beans to international buyers at the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan exhibition, SCAJ 2026.
The showcase, supported by Bank Indonesia, introduced visitors to the remarkable diversity of Indonesian coffee. From the highlands of Aceh Gayo to the volcanic soils of Bali and the storied landscapes of Toraja, each cup told a story of place, people and careful cultivation. Alongside celebrated arabicas, the exhibition also featured kopi luwak, drawing curious tasters eager to experience one of the world’s most talked about coffees.
One moment captured the spirit of the event. Visitors tasting an Indonesian robusta described flavor characteristics reminiscent of arabica, a reminder that coffee should be judged by what is in the cup rather than by species or reputation alone. It was a quiet but powerful statement about the potential waiting in Indonesia’s coffee growing regions.
From Farm to Global Stage
Behind the showcase lies years of patient work at the farm level. KAPPI works directly with farming communities through education and mentoring programs that cover soil management, fertilization, pruning and harvesting techniques. The goal is straightforward: improve quality and consistency so that Indonesian producers can meet the expectations of demanding overseas markets.
This farm level focus connects to a larger mission of export readiness. Coffees from farmers participating in Bank Indonesia’s development programs were carefully selected and evaluated for quality before being introduced to prospective buyers at SCAJ 2026. For micro, small and medium enterprises, the exhibition offered a practical education in consumer preferences, quality consistency, product differentiation and the expectations of international buyers.
Ricky P. Gozali, Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, emphasized the importance of understanding Japanese consumer preferences and presenting Indonesia’s finest coffees on the world stage. He noted that expanding exports would directly improve the livelihoods of farming families across the archipelago.
A Voice of Confidence from Kyoto
The response from the Japanese coffee industry was encouraging. Yozo Otsuki, chief executive of Kurashu, a coffee company based in Kyoto, expressed confidence in the future potential of Indonesian coffee. He pointed in particular to the diversity across producing regions, noting that each area brings distinct characteristics that can captivate discerning drinkers.
His remarks reflect a growing recognition that Indonesia offers far more than a single flavor profile. With coffees ranging from the bold earthiness of Mandheling to the bright complexity of Java and the smooth character of Bali, the country presents a palette that rewards exploration.
Coffee Diplomacy in Action
The SCAJ 2026 appearance continues a busy calendar of international engagement for KAPPI. Since 2025, the foundation has pursued coffee diplomacy at home and abroad, building cross sector partnerships aimed at a more inclusive, competitive and sustainable coffee industry.
Recent milestones include World Expo Osaka 2025, SCAJ 2025, Foodex Japan 2026 and World of Coffee Bangkok 2026. Each event has served the same broader purpose: connecting Indonesian producers with international market knowledge and presenting Indonesian coffee as an expression of agricultural expertise, cultural diversity and regional identity.
Through farmer education, technical assistance and international coffee diplomacy, KAPPI works to strengthen every link in the value chain. The foundation’s programs also emphasize community and women’s empowerment alongside research and innovation, recognizing that a thriving coffee sector depends on thriving coffee communities.
About KAPPI
KAPPI, the Coffee Development and Education Foundation, is dedicated to strengthening Indonesia’s coffee ecosystem through farmer education and mentoring, community and women’s empowerment, research and innovation, and coffee diplomacy. Since 2025, it has pursued coffee diplomacy in Indonesia and overseas, building cross sector partnerships for a more inclusive, competitive and sustainable coffee industry.
Media Contact
Pangesti Boedhiman
contact@kappi.global
Disclaimer: All information in this article was shared by KAPPI Global. UAE Startup Story has not verified or confirmed its accuracy and accepts no responsibility for it.
