 Adventures
in Sumatra...
Major coffee growing regions in Indonesia include
Sumatra, Sulawesi, Java, Flores Islands and Bali. The
Dutch brought coffee to Indonesia from Yirgacheffe in
the 17th century. They tested all of the islands and the
first foothold was East Java...from there it spread like
wildfire.
Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world and yet
probably one of the least visited. Karen Cebreros,
founder and owner of Elan Organic Coffees had the
privilege to travel to Sumatra in May. 
Sumatra is primarily sold from 2 regions, Aceh and North
Sumatra. Aceh is known for its Mandhelings. The region
produces 90% organic coffee by default, produces a
larger bean size and is grown at a high elevation. Aceh
has 68,000 Hectares and 65,000 farmers. Sumatra is made
up of many small community growers, each averaging one
Hectare.
North Sumatra has Hintung and Sidi Kalang. This coffee
is produced at a lower altitude, is 90 % fertilized and
has harsher characteristics.
Karen's experience included a flight to Bandah Aceh and
a visit to the Gayo Mountain Mill and Tunas Indah
Cooperative. "It appears there are no large estates. One
reason is a shortage of labor. Another reason is the war
that raged throughout the region. People told me that
only the Tsunami finally brought it to a close. Sumatra
is still in serious need of repair and infrastructure.
NGO's are working throughout Aceh. I saw USAID, Oxfam,
Care, Unicef, Red Cross and Churches from around the
globe. The region lacks roads and foreign investment,"
reflected Karen.
Gayo Mountain Mill
Karen had the opportunity to visit the Gayo Mountain Coffee factory located in Takengon.
Dutch Aid originally built the Gayo Mill about 20 years
ago. It is surrounded by a compound including 22 homes,
drying patios, 23 fermentation tanks and processing for
washed, semi-pulped and natural coffees. The Dutch had
seen washing mills in Africa and Latin America and
duplicated one 
in Aceh.
The Mill managed to stay open during the war, despite
attacks, hostages taken and hijacked containers.
Due to political and social unrest in the area, Gayo
Mountain tries to maintain a stable and rewarding
environment for its employees. The majority have been
there for 20 plus years, turnover is rare and salaries
have increased. Currently, plans are underway to build a
health clinic, a nursery school and playground. The main
cooperative in the region, Tunas Indah, has their main
office inside the compound. Tunas Indah has over 5000
growers each averaging one hectare.
Please contact Elan Organic Coffees for more information
on our Sumatra Gayo Mountain coffee offerings. This
coffee has been certified organic by SKAL since 1988.
This coffee carries may other certifications, including
Fair Trade, Utz Kapeh, JAS and Shade. Pending
certifications include Rainforest Alliance and ECO-Q™.
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