Sawahlunto, June 3, 2025 – My name is Beby Candra, usually called Abi. In the past, I never imagined that I could be involved in coffee farming. This is all thanks to the support of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) sustainability program. PTBA not only gave us hope, but also guided us to realize "New Hope" from every Robusta coffee bean that we planted.Initially, we, the farmers, were completely blind about coffee cultivation. However, PTBA was really serious in guiding us. They sent us on a direct comparative study directly to the coffee centers in Semende, South Sumatra, Aceh, and Medan. There, we had the opportunity to learn from experts, including Professor Surip Mawardi, who opened our eyes to the great potential of coffee on our land. This experience was very valuable, making us realize that the land that was once deserted can now produce high quality coffee.
After returning from the comparative study, PTBA continued to support us. Comprehensive training on coffee cultivation from upstream to downstream was provided by a team of experts, equipping us with knowledge from nursery, planting, to post-harvest processing. We were even assisted to form our own nursery group, ensuring that we can be independent in providing quality seeding. Since its inception in 2020, the program has expanded to four sub-districts in Sawahlunto City, namely Barangin, Silungkang, and Lembah Segar.
PTBA not only provides knowledge, but also modern coffee processing equipment such as huller, pulper, powdering machine, roaster, and roasting. With these machines, we can process our own coffee beans, improve the quality, and of course, the selling value of our products.
Now, Sawahlunto Robusta coffee is no longer just a dream. We even have our own Kafe Arang, a place to market our coffee and become a gathering place for the community. More proudly, coffee from Sawahlunto was once successfully exported up to 100 kg to China.
PTBA has brought us, 70 farmer group members, to become "pilots" who are able to fly new hopes. From having no capacity in coffee, we can now earn an average of Rp6-7 million per month. This is not just about income, but about a change in mindset, about how ex-mining land can be transformed into a source of prosperity and sustainability for us and future generations.
