Minister Amran Recalls Meeting Bill Clinton: The Conversation Was All About Gayo Coffee

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman has shared an unforgettable experience of meeting former United States President Bill Clinton, during which the conversation centred on Gayo coffee from Aceh. The story was recounted by Amran while inspecting a coffee nursery in Rimba Raya KM 60, Bener Meriah, Aceh, on Tuesday (14/7/2026).

According to him, the recognition from the world figure is proof that Gayo coffee has a quality capable of competing in the global market. “During a visit to Mexico and Argentina, I met Bill Clinton, and what we discussed was Gayo coffee. I was deeply moved,” said Amran.

Seeing this great potential, the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to strengthening the development of national coffee, from providing seedlings to budgetary support for coffee farmers across Indonesia, including Aceh. “God willing, we will assist coffee farmers throughout Indonesia, including in Aceh, with nurseries, budgeting, and so on,” he stated.

Amran said the support would be budgeted in stages over the next two to three years. The hope is that coffee plantation productivity will increase, thereby boosting farmers’ welfare. “God willing, it can be done, so we must budget for the next 2-3 years. Why? If a family owns just two hectares, we calculate that can generate Rp30 million per month,” he explained.

According to Amran, with land ownership of around two hectares, coffee farmers have the opportunity to earn tens of millions of rupiah each month. “So, Rp360 million divided by 12 months is more than Rp20 million to Rp30 million per month. That is more than a minister’s salary. That is our dream. Our brothers and sisters in Papua are already earning Rp20 million per month,” said Amran.

Furthermore, Amran stressed that the government also wants to strengthen Indonesia’s coffee export routes so that they can go directly to destination countries without transiting through other nations as a hub. This step is expected to provide greater added value for farmers. “Because this coffee has gone global. Imagine, we are shaking the world through Gayo coffee, from Indonesia. The price is high. Later, we will export directly, no need to transit or make another country a hub, we will go direct,” he concluded.