Khofifah Optimistic East Java's Coffee and Cocoa Can Penetrate Global Markets

Surabaya (ANTARA) - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa is optimistic that East Java’s coffee and cocoa commodities can penetrate global markets through downstream processing, strengthening the agro-industrial ecosystem, and cross-sector collaboration to boost competitiveness and farmers’ welfare.

“East Java has strength not only in terms of production volume, but also in the diversity of coffee flavours derived from the geographical character of each region. Therefore, the development of the plantation sector must be directed towards downstream processing, manufacturing, brand strengthening, certification, and expanding international market access,” said Khofifah in a statement received in Surabaya on Monday.

According to Khofifah, global consumer lifestyle preferences are currently shifting towards sustainable products with premium flavours.

“This is certainly a great opportunity for East Java to further strengthen its position as one of Indonesia’s leading coffee centres,” she said.

East Java is also one of the five largest coffee-producing provinces in Indonesia, with production reaching 80,895 tonnes, supported by the regencies of Malang, Banyuwangi, Bondowoso and Situbondo.

In addition, smallholder coffee plantations in East Java cover 123,720 hectares spread across Malang, Banyuwangi, Bondowoso, Jember and Situbondo.

Regarding the cocoa commodity, Khofifah said the provincial government continues to strengthen development clusters in Blitar, Madiun, Trenggalek and Pacitan as part of plantation crop diversification.