Sultan HB X Promotes Merapi Coffee Development as a Source of Local Income

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, is pushing for the development of local coffee grown in community plantations on the slopes of Mount Merapi in the Sleman Regency, as a potential source of income for local residents.

“Rather than mining, it is better that we plant coffee as a replacement for part of the community’s income,” said Sri Sultan during the handover of 46 permanent housing certificates (SHM) to residents affected by the 2010 Mount Merapi eruption in Kepuharjo Village, Cangkringan, Sleman, on Tuesday.

According to him, Merapi coffee, as an alternative source of income that does not rely on mining activities, needs to be managed collectively, including in terms of marketing, so that the product possesses stronger economic value.

The Governor hopes that the potential of Merapi coffee can be consolidated to become a viable alternative livelihood capable of increasing community income while simultaneously preserving the area.

“We leave this to the Sleman Regency Government with the hope that we can consolidate this potential; how to move away from mining, so that at the very least, this coffee can become another option that allows for increased income,” he said.

Furthermore, Sri Sultan urged residents to continue protecting the Merapi environment, noting that reforestation and the strengthening of vegetation are essential to maintain the area and reduce the risks of landslides and the impact of volcanic material when Merapi becomes active again.

“Our hope is for reforestation, so that it can act as a barrier if Merapi experiences volcanic activity,” he said.

On that occasion, the Governor of DIY advised residents to safeguard their certificates as family assets, care for the Merapi environment, and build livelihoods without damaging nature.

Sri Sultan also reminded residents to store their certificates carefully and not to lend them out indiscriminately, as these documents are important assets that must be protected to prevent misuse and future legal complications.

“I earnestly request that you store them carefully. Do not let the excuse be ‘just for photocopying’ or ‘just for one day,’ because that item could be lost,” he said.