The history of coffee cultivation in the northern parts of South Sulawesi is a mystery. It is not known when the inhabitants started to cultivate coffee and how coffee arrived. It's only known that coffee was cultivated well before the Colonial period, hundreds of years ago. The most famous part of the coffee area in Sulawesi (previously called Celebes) is Toraja, which is the center of the coffee production area and located near the highest points of the Sesean Mountains. Torajan people are descendants of Indochinese (possibly Cambodian) oceanic traders who crossed the sea to settle in the Sulawesi highlands and take up agriculture. They are a very independent ethnic group which has managed to maintain their cultural identity, reflected in their language, social manners and religion, called Aluk To Dolo, the way of the Ancestors. They build their homes, called Tongkonan, in the shape of their original boats. Great craftsmanship and eye for detail is noticeable in these buildings. This detail and precision is also reflected in their coffee crop. Toraja is known for producing one of the best Arabica coffees in the world and is grown on the island of Sulawesi. Until the late 1980's, the entire annual crop amounted to 400 tons Toraja and 200 tons Rantepao. The exclusive original varieties cost about $12 per pound. Since the cultivation of coffee has increased substantially, the price has gone down, but the exclusivity of the cup quality remains.

Cooperative Petani Kopi Organik Toraja consists of 570 farmers, with small plots locally known as gardens, averaging 1 hectare each. This coffee has always been organic by default. The coffee is harvested today as it was in the past, organically. These farmers are now part of the first organic certified coffee Cooperative in Sulawesi, Petani Kopi Organik Toraja, thus receiving a premium for their coffees. Their goal is to produce the best organic Sulawesi Toraja Arabica and improve the livelihood of all of the farmers and their families, socially and economically. To ensure health, luck and prosperity for the farming families, the coffee jute bags are all marked with the symbol of the sun, or Bariallo,

Altitude: 4200-5700 feet
Variety: Bourbon, Pacas, Pacamara
Processing Method: Washed
Grade: Strictly Hard Bean
Species: Arabica
Harvest: May to October

Cup Characteristics: Full rich body, low acidity, spicy, sweet and smoky

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. Sumatra is primarily sold from 2 regions, Aceh and North Sumatra. Aceh is known for its Mandheling. The region produces 90% organic coffee by default. They also produce a larger bean size and the coffee here is grown at a higher altitude. 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 Didi Kalang. This coffee is produced at a lower altitude, is 90% fertilized and has harsher cup characteristics.

Karen, Founder and President of Elan, 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 has 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. 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 ^TM.

Coffee Specifications:
Product: Strictly Hard Bean
Grade: European Preparation
Altitude: 3,200 - 6,000 Feet
Shade: under diverse tree species
Harvest: May to October Certifications: SKAL

Cup Characteristics:
Quality: Full body, sweet aroma, low acidity, citrus, sweet, floral