Bumper Harvest, IPB University-assisted Cibulao Conservation Coffee Ready for Export to Algeria
The Bumper Harvest of Conservation Coffee in Cibulao Village, Tugu Utara Village, Cisarua District, Bogor Regency, witnessed the export of coffee produced by farmers in this village to foreign countries. At the harvest event (6/18), a partnership was signed with Messode Bourasse Algeria to export arabica coffee to Algeria.
Cibulao, an area that was once not widely known, is now transformed into one of the prestigious coffee centers in Indonesia. This success cannot be separated from the close collaboration between the local community, the Cibulao Forest Farmers Group (KTH) and IPB University, especially through long-term interventions from the IPB University Center for Regional Assessment and Development (P4W).
Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria said that the transformation of Cibulao not only produces high-quality coffee products, but also creates significant social impacts. The success of coffee cultivation has helped to improve the economy of the residents. This improvement in living standards then contributes directly to other aspects, such as education.
“In the past, schools in this area were very limited. Now the number of schools has increased because the community’s economy has also improved. This all started with the success of coffee cultivation assisted by IPB University,” said Rector of IPB University.
He added that the intervention that began more than 11 years ago by the P4W team is now starting to show real results. Cibulao became a real example of how academic approaches and field assistance can bring massive social change.
According to him, KTH Cibulao is now not only known as a leading coffee producer, but also as a successful example of a sustainable development program. Community awareness of the importance of preserving the environment continues to increase, along with economic growth and a better quality of life.
“This is one of the many programs IPB University has succeeded in improving the quality of life of the community, both in terms of economy, education, and environmental awareness. The most important thing is how we maintain the sustainability of this area for the future,” he said.
Prof Arif, explained that the community-based collaborative management model in Cibulao has yielded results. “The community is at the forefront of area management. They are the subject in managing resources, especially coffee,” said Prof Arif.
Currently, the economic value of Cibulao coffee products has attracted the attention of international buyers, such as from Algeria, through the support of PT Astra International.
Vice Rector of IPB University for Research, Innovation, and Agromaritime Development, Prof Ernan Rustiadi, said that since 2014, IPB University has assisted the community in Cibulao.
“Earlier at the harvest site, Kang Yono (representative of KTH Cibulao) told us how the community pioneered the coffee plantation, transforming from forest ‘encroachers’ to conservation coffee farmers. From two hectares, now it is more than 120 hectares,” he said.
Prof Ernan also saw that the community’s economy can be seen from the diversification of businesses carried out by its young generation. Starting from selling coffee cherries, green beans, to ground coffee. Some of them even become baristas and manage cafes.
“With Astra’s help, we will soon export. The Waqf and Social Fund Unit of IPB University will also provide productive waqf assistance,” he concluded.
In that moment, the IPB monument was also inaugurated and the signing of cooperation between IPB University and the Ministry of Forestry, as well as the IPB Waqf and Social Fund Unit with the IKA Cooperative. (AS) (IAAS/NRA)
