Sawahlunto Coffee Farmers Master Post-Harvest Processing After Mentoring
Currently, the Harapan Baru Farmers Group in Balai Batu Sandaran Village, Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra, manages approximately 18 hectares of coffee plantations with the support of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), ranging from the provision of superior seedlings to post-harvest processing equipment. The coffee potential in Balai Batu Sandaran is very promising.
Sawahlunto Coffee Farmer Mentor Chair, Beby Candra, acknowledged a significant change since receiving the mentoring. “Previously, we only focused on cultivation. Now, with the equipment assistance from PTBA, we understand the importance of post-harvest processing to increase the selling value of our coffee,” he said.
PTBA Corporate Secretary Division Head, Eko Prayitno, stated that the community economic empowerment programme aims to create sustainable added value for communities around the company’s operational areas. Through the Ombilin Mining Site unit, the member of the Mining Industry Holding Mind Id synergised with the Sawahlunto City Government to conduct a coffee harvest with the Harapan Baru Farmers Group in Balai Batu Sandaran Village, West Sumatra, on Thursday (4/6/2026).
“We believe that the success of empowerment is measured by the community’s independence in the future. Through the development of coffee commodities, we want to encourage sustainable livelihoods and improve the competitiveness of the region’s superior products,” said Eko.
Acting General Manager of PTBA Ombilin Mining Site, Alman Syarif, added that PTBA is present as a partner providing technical support to improve production quality while opening up broader economic opportunities.
Sawahlunto Mayor, Riyanda Putra, expressed high appreciation for PTBA’s tangible contribution. According to him, this collaboration greatly assists the regional government in strengthening the local economy through the plantation sector, which has long-term prospects.
The series of harvest activities began with a review of the nursery house, picking red coffee cherries, and simulating the coffee bean grinding process. The activity concluded with a tasting session of locally processed coffee at the processing hut, which became a symbol of the successful synergy between the corporation and the community.