Jakarta, July 2, 2025 – Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky, highlighted the importance of enhancing a high-quality workforce to drive Indonesia’s local coffee industry into export markets. Therefore, the Ministry of Creative Economy is exploring potential collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia (SCAI).
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf - Kemenekraf jajaki potensi kopi lokal ke pasar global melalui kolaborasi dengan Specialty Coffee Association Indonesia (SCAI), Jakarta, Rabu (2/7/2025).
“When we talk about the coffee industry, we’re talking about farmers, baristas, and they are not only concentrated in Jakarta but are spread across various regions. That’s why we hope the creative economy can become the new engine of growth for the national economy, starting from the regions,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky during a meeting with SCAI at the Ministry of Creative Economy office on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
SCAI is an association founded through the initiative of coffee farmers, exporters, and roasters to improve the quality and quantity of Indonesia’s specialty coffee. Minister Teuku Riefky views strengthening human resources at the regional level as a strategic step to ensure equitable and sustainable growth in the coffee industry.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
The Minister also stressed the need for accelerated strategies for industry players who are ready to develop. Through collaboration with coffee business associations such as SCAI, this initiative is expected to increase the capacity and competitiveness of local products, making them more attractive to global markets.
“Our current focus is accelerating coffee business players who are already empowered. Through a curation process, including collaboration with associations like SCAI, we strengthen them in terms of commercialization and encourage them to scale up. We then facilitate promotion and networking so they can penetrate national and even global markets,” said Minister Teuku Riefky.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
In response, SCAI Chairperson Daryanto Witarsa stated that the association’s mission aligns with the strategy pursued by the Ministry of Creative Economy. He agreed on the need for acceleration starting from coffee-producing regions, noting that the industry’s greatest potential lies in the rural areas.
“The Minister mentioned several priority regions, and perhaps we can start with Aceh. We know Aceh has tremendous coffee potential, especially Aceh Gayo coffee. The question now is how we can help Gayo coffee farmers export their products with added value directly to the world’s leading coffee companies,” Daryanto said.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
Daryanto further explained SCAI’s efforts to expand Indonesia’s coffee branding on the international stage through talent. This was demonstrated by the success of SCAI-trained barista Ryan Wibawa, who won third place at the 2024 World Brewers Cup in Chicago. This achievement helped elevate the image of Indonesian coffee and gain greater visibility in global markets.
The Minister of Creative Economy was also accompanied by the Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity, Yuke Sri Rahayu, and the Director for Culinary, Andy Ruswar. Representing SCAI were First Vice Chairperson Karya Elly, Second Vice Chairperson Aang Sunadji, and Secretary General Gusti Laksamana.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
