Jakarta – The export value of Indonesian coffee this year is estimated to be US$ 400 million, less than the targeted US$ 575 million. According to Indonesian Coffee Export and Industry Association chairman, Hassan Widjaja, the decline was due to the global financial crisis and speculators.
He explained that the price of Robusta coffee went down to US$ 1,7 per kilogram from US$ 2,2 early this year. “Take out the discount, NS we only get US$ 1,5," he said yesterday. Hassan also predicted that next year’s exports will be even lower than this year’s. “If this situation continues, next year will be more difficult,” he said.
Industry minister Fahmi Idris called on association members to buy local coffee to prevent prices from sliding. Coffee businessmen were also urged to export their products while prices are still low. Hassan said coffee businessmen in Indonesia viewed the government’s policy as a positive sign.
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