Jakarta, 6 May, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) continues to strengthen the culinary subsector, particularly gastronomy, through collaboration with creative business actors. This was demonstrated through a meeting between Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, and Kopi Jo, which introduced an innovative Indonesian-style fermented coffee.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, received an audience with Kopi Jo at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (5/6/2026).
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister highlighted the uniqueness of Kopi Jo, which elevates the flavors of Indonesian coffee through a distinctive aging technique. She also introduced the product to delegations from partner countries as part of efforts to promote Indonesia’s culinary richness at the global level.
“For me, this is something unique. We are ready to collaborate to introduce the taste of Indonesian coffee from the regions to the national stage,” she said during the meeting at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (5/6).
Originating from various local initiatives, Kopi Jo is a coffee shop from Yogyakarta that has developed since 2009. Its flagship product combines coffee with spices through a unique fermentation process, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The Ministry views the potential of Indonesian coffee not only in its raw bean commodity, but also in the diversity of traditional recipes that hold high economic value. Various beverages such as kopi takar, kopi rarobang, and innovations like Kopi Jo are considered part of culinary intellectual property that should be further developed.
The owner of Kopi Jo, Johanes Tan Joana Jaja, explained that the process involves unique stages that define the product’s characteristics.
“With its characteristics, the acidity increases. That is what we age further, adding sugar and storing it for 6–7 months before harvesting,” he explained.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Founder of Gastronusa, Edwin Pangestu, emphasized the importance of introducing diverse coffee preparations as part of the nation’s creative identity.
“When we talk about coffee, it is not only about selling the bean commodity, but also about introducing menus like this, as they are part of our intellectual property,” he stated.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The meeting was also attended by Kopi Jo owner Chrisanty Evielina Rosario and Business Development Director of Gastronusa Vivin Puspitarini. The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Special Staff to the Minister for Strengthening the Creative Economy Ecosystem and Data, Jago Anggara, as well as Director of Culinary Romi Astuti.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
