120 hectares of Arabica coffee plantation in Bogor

For many years, local communities depended on the surrounding forest area for their livelihoods. According to local farmer representatives, the community gradually began moving away from unsustainable forest exploitation and toward responsible coffee farming. A major turning point came in 2014, when IPB University began supporting the community through its Center for Regional Study and Development (P4W).

Rather than simply providing assistance, the approach focused on empowering local residents to become active participants in managing and developing their own region. Farmers were encouraged to improve their knowledge, strengthen their agricultural practices, protect the environment, and develop coffee as a sustainable source of income.

A Small Beginning That Grew Into a Coffee Community. The transformation of Cibulao is particularly impressive when looking at the development of its coffee-growing area. What once covered only around 2 hectares has grown to more than 120 hectares of community-managed coffee plantations.

The growth is not only measured by land area. Coffee has also created new opportunities for local families and younger generations. Today, members of the community are involved in different stages of the coffee business, from producing coffee cherries and green beans to processing roasted coffee. Some young people have even entered the café and barista business.

This shows how coffee can become more than an agricultural commodity. When developed properly, it can become a foundation for local economic growth, entrepreneurship, education, and environmental conservation. Coffee and Conservation Growing Together. One of the most valuable aspects of Cibulao's coffee development is its connection with forest conservation.

Coffee cultivation in the area has been developed within an agroforestry and conservation-oriented approach. The goal is not simply to increase production, but to create an agricultural system that can support farmers while maintaining the ecological function of the surrounding landscape. The result is a model in which coffee production and environmental responsibility can move forward together.

The transformation of Cibulao also demonstrates the importance of long-term community development. Better agricultural practices can lead to stronger household incomes, while improved economic conditions can create opportunities for education and new businesses. From Cibulao to International Buyers.

The growing recognition of Cibulao coffee has now extended beyond Indonesia. The cooperation with a buyer from Algeria in 2025 became an important symbol of the community's progress and demonstrated that coffee produced by Indonesian smallholder farmers can reach international markets. For the farmers of Cibulao, this is more than an export opportunity. It is recognition of years of hard work, learning, cooperation, and commitment to sustainable agriculture. From the highlands of Bogor, Cibulao coffee is now taking another step toward the global coffee market. And its journey is only beginning.

From Bogor’s Highlands to the Global Coffee Market

High in the beautiful hills of Bogor, West Java, a remarkable coffee story has been growing for years. In June 2025, Kampung Cibulao in Tugu Utara, Bogor, reached an important milestone when its Arabica coffee attracted international attention. A cooperation agreement was signed for the purchase of Cibulao Arabica coffee by a trading partner from Algeria, opening a new chapter for coffee produced by local farmers.

This achievement was not built overnight. It represents years of dedication from coffee farmers and collaboration between local communities, educational institutions, government partners, and the private sector, including PT Astra International Tbk through its Desa Sejahtera Astra program. From Forest Land to Sustainable Coffee Farms. The story of Cibulao coffee began long before international buyers discovered its potential.