Yogyakarta Coffee Villages Set to Attract Foreign Tourists

TEMPO.CO, Sleman - A number of tourism villages in Yogyakarta were asked to prepare to celebrate the World Coffee Day on October 1 by organizing their own flagship coffee festival. The appeal was delivered at the 2018 Merapi Coffee Festival gathering in Pentingsari, Sleman, Wednesday, September 26.

Some areas that have been famous as coffee producers include Pentingsari Hamlet, Umbulharjo Village, Cangkringan District, Sleman Regency, which is known to have Merapi Coffee. Then there is Nglinggo Hamlet, Pagerharjo Village, Samigaluh District, Kulon Progo Regency, which is known to have Menoreh Coffee.

By favoring the flagship coffee, it is expected to increasingly attract foreign tourists. “Because Westerners usually drink coffee before doing activities in the morning, afternoon, and evening. There is a term that says 'Life begins after coffee',” said Jogja Creative Home Business Development Program Director, Febriyo Hadikesuma.

Read: Temanggung Coffee Festival Offers 1,000 Cups of Free Coffee

Data from the Yogyakarta Tourism Office noted that foreign tourists staying in star and non-star hotels increased 15 percent each year. “Now the coffee euphoria is increasing. That is an opportunity,” Febriyo said.

Head of the Marketing Division of the Yogyakarta Tourism Office, Imam Pratanandi, suggested the tourist villages prepare the package of the coffee tour.

It includes “something to see”, which invite tourists to see the coffee plantation, processing method, and taste the coffee. Then there is “something to do”, which invite tourists to pick, pound, roast and brew the coffee. And the last is “something to buy”, which invites tourists to buy coffee that has been processed.

“The story about coffee must be made, such as the history, uniqueness, and taste,” Imam said.

Imam suggested that the coffee from the villages should not all be exported. There must be one product that is truly superior and distinctive. “Let the tourists be curious and visit to enjoy it,” he said.

Head of the Industry and Trade Department of Sleman, Endah Yitnani, claimed that Merapi Coffee was the one that was already worthy of export. One of the countries that ordered was Finland, which held the 2018 Helsinki Coffee Festival in April. In the event, Indonesia exhibited Merapi Coffee from Sleman and Gayo Coffee from Aceh. 

PITO AGUSTIN RUDIANA