IPB University and Bank Mandiri Launch Coffee Ecosystem Development Program in Wangunjaya Village, Garut
IPB University and Bank Mandiri officially launched a Social and Environmental Responsibility Initiative (TJSL) program for the development of a village ecosystem based on coffee cultivation in Garut Regency.
The program kick-off was held on Tuesday (8/19) at the Wangunjaya Village Coffee Processing Station, Bungbulang District, Garut Regency, with the theme “Accelerating the Business Ecosystem in Garut: Innovation, Partnership, and Sustainability.”
The collaboration program between IPB University and Bank Mandiri aims to develop a coffee business ecosystem in Garut Regency through the establishment of a Coffee Processing Station as a center for learning, production, and community development.
This program provides processing facilities and assistance to improve the quality and competitiveness of local coffee to the national and even international levels.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the coffee supply chain, increasing the value of productive carbon forest products, and creating sustainable business models relevant to market needs. Additionally, the initiative is expected to enhance the economic resilience of rural communities in the face of climate change challenges.
“IPB University remains committed to delivering innovations that directly benefit the community. The development of 250 hectares of robusta coffee plantations in Garut Regency involves approximately 500 farmers,” said the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Agromaritime Development at IPB University during the inauguration.
“With the facilities provided by Bank Mandiri, including solar dome dryers, pulpers, hullers, and other supporting equipment, we hope that through this collaboration, the coffee business ecosystem in Garut can grow stronger, more competitive, and sustainable, thereby improving farmers’ welfare and strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global coffee market,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hilmi, as the Garut Region Director of Bank Mandiri, emphasized that this TJSL program is part of the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable development. “We believe that the coffee sector has great potential to drive economic growth in the community,” he said.
“Through collaboration with IPB University and farmer groups, Bank Mandiri wants to provide access, assistance, and support that can increase productivity and expand the marketing network for Garut coffee. We hope that this initiative will have a real and sustainable social impact,“ he said.
Melik Sulaksana, a member of the Al Bayyinah Sejahtera Jaya Mekar Cooperative, which represents coffee farmers in Wangunjaya Village, expressed his gratitude and optimism about the program. ”For us, this program is a great opportunity to learn, develop, and improve the quality of Garut coffee.”
“Until now, our main challenges have been post-harvest and marketing, so the guidance from IPB University and support from Bank Mandiri are very meaningful. We hope that with this program, Garut coffee can be more widely recognized and bring prosperity to farmers,” he said.
With the implementation of this program, collaboration between IPB University, Bank Mandiri, cooperatives, local government, and the community is expected to become a model for developing an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable agriculture-based business ecosystem, while also reinforcing Garut’s role as one of Indonesia’s leading coffee-producing regions. (*/Rz) (IAAS/LAN)
