Indonesian coffee producers leverage agroforestry for export

Coffee producers in Indonesia are utilizing agroforestry and regenerative agriculture to balance economic development with environmental conservation. In Tapanuli Selatan, North Sumatra, the initiative by Green Justice Indonesia and the Permata Hijau Village Forest Management Institution has led to the preparation of 2.5 tons of coffee for export to Singapore in early September 2026. This program includes the distribution of approximately 80,000 coffee seedlings to support local forest management.

In West Sumatra, traditional farming methods known as ‘parak’—where coffee grows alongside various trees in a forest-like structure—align naturally with conservation goals. However, these producers face challenges regarding the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). While their methods prevent deforestation, the regulation requires specific geographic coordinates and polygon data for land parcels to prove compliance. Ensuring farmers can provide this technical documentation is a critical hurdle for maintaining access to the European market.