TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - During the 6th 'Ngopi Saraosna' event, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil is aiming to introduce the West Java coffee industry to the world as it was in the past.

"The coffee commodity is the most sought after commodity because it's getting competitive, which makes quality as the industry's benchmark. West Java must boost its coffee industry again until it's considered the world's best," said the governor.

For the short term goal, Ridwan plans to form the West Java coffee forum which will later become platform for the coffee community, starting from its farmers, coffee bean traders, roaster owners, up to cafe owners throughout West Java.

"We will combine people with the technology needed and the knowledge in trading coffee up to the farmers. I do not want farmers to only end up being disadvantaged," said Ridwan Kamil.

There is also the problem regarding fluctuating coffee bean prices that really harm coffee farmers. Several coffee plantations in West Java often face problems where the selling-value of coffee is not comparable to the cost spent to grow coffees.

According to Ridwan Kamil, the main issue still facing West Java's coffee farmers is plant disease, which often leads to crop failure. Ridwan said that farmers often complain about their lack of knowledge for the necessary technology needed to avoid significant losses caused by diseases.

AMINUDDIN