Three Campuses from West Sumatra Synergize to Develop Healthy Arabica Coffee Industry from the Slopes of Kerinci

Kerinci, Salingkaluak.com - The SINERGI Research Downstreaming Team from the Payakumbuh State Agricultural Polytechnic (PPNP), along with Andalas University (Unand) and Padang State University (UNP), conducted a scientific visit to the ALKO Sumatra Kopi Cooperative (ALKO) and HT Arabica Coffee in Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province. This activity is part of a research program under the umbrella of the Coffee Education & Research Institute (CERI).

This research is a collaboration with PT Pesona Global Multikarya (PGM) and is funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) for the 2025 Fiscal Year. The activity aims to develop specialty Sumatran arabica coffee that is low in acrylamide and high in antioxidants, through a circular economy approach and blockchain technology. This research represents a strategic step in addressing global challenges related to food safety, sustainability, and added value of Indonesian coffee products.

Unearthing Innovation from the Slopes of Mount Kerinci

Sumatra is known as one of the producers of arabica coffee with a distinctive and complex flavor profile, sought after in the global market for its bright acidity and floral aroma. However, behind its popularity, concerns have arisen regarding the acrylamide content, a carcinogenic compound formed during the roasting process.

Through this research, the CERI team aims to develop environmentally friendly post-harvest protocols and controlled roasting processes to reduce acrylamide formation without compromising the distinctive flavor of Sumatran coffee. This scientific approach also focuses on enhancing the bioactive components and natural antioxidants that are beneficial for health.

The ALKO Cooperative was selected as the research location because it has long implemented principles of sustainable agriculture, digital traceability, and circular economy. Through the blockchain system, each batch of coffee can be traced back to its origin, from farm to consumer, ensuring product transparency and safety, especially for the export market and MSMEs.

The ALKO Sumatra Kopi Cooperative has long been known as a pioneer in developing sustainable and traceable coffee in Indonesia. The collaboration between the ALKO team and CERI from PPNP seeks to strengthen its digital traceability system using the Qhitink platform and integrate the EcoTrace application, a digital innovation developed by PPNP under CERI, led by Prof. Rince Alfia Fadri, along with her team: Prof. Novizar (Andalas University), Prof. Edi Syafri (PPNP), Dr. Mimi Harni (PPNP), Dr. Mulianti (Padang State University), Rifly Arifansyah, Amd. (PPNP), Sherlya Wanda, S.T.P (PPNP), and Fina Firdiyanti, S.T. (UNEJ), and other field team members.

Research Innovation and Downstreaming

This research champions five innovative pillars in research downstreaming, including:

• Environmentally friendly and transparent post-harvest innovation based on blockchain;
• Value chain identification and waste audit for developing low-emission and low-acrylamide protocols;
• Production of healthy specialty coffee as a leading commodity of Sumatra;
• Product patents and integration into local industries and MSMEs;
• Business plan and industrial model replication for national and international market expansion.

This research is conducted in two stages, where the first year (TKT 7) focuses on technology validation and developing a prototype of antioxidant-rich arabica coffee.

"By referring to Qhitink and then recording on EcoTrace, we want to present an honest digital trail that benefits all parties. This system not only records production data but also adds value for farmers and MSMEs who implement sustainable principles," said the head of the CERI-PPNP team.

Towards Healthy and Sustainable Coffee from Sumatra

The final outcome of this research is expected to produce healthy, distinctive Sumatran arabica coffee with an excellent sensory profile and high antioxidant content. This product is expected to become a new leading commodity from Sumatra, oriented not only toward taste but also toward health, sustainability, and production transparency.

In addition to strengthening Indonesia's position in the global specialty coffee market, this research also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

"From the slopes of Mount Kerinci, we learn that the future of coffee is not just about taste, but about responsibility to the earth and future generations," said the Owner of HT Arabica Coffee with great enthusiasm.

Kemdiktisaintek Support for Research Downstreaming

This program is part of the 2025 SINERGI Research Downstreaming funding scheme from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, which encourages universities to collaborate across institutions to accelerate the utilization of research results in society and industry.

Through this support, the team plans to develop a simple digital traceability platform, EcoTrace, for assisted farmers, as well as provide community-based circular economy assistance in Sumatran coffee production centers.

Next Steps: Reducing Emissions and Building Trust

The results of this visit will serve as the basis for developing a sustainable coffee ecosystem model that integrates social, environmental, and technological aspects. The team also plans to continue collaborative research with ALKO and PT PGM to strengthen the coffee value chain from upstream to downstream.

On that occasion, Suryono, CEO of ALKO Sumatra Coffee, emphasized the importance of a scientific approach to strengthen the cooperative's commitment to sustainability and carbon emission reduction across the entire supply chain.

"We have conducted a feasibility study on reducing carbon emissions in the Kerinci coffee supply chain. The results show that the implementation of circular economy, energy efficiency, and digital traceability systems can significantly reduce the carbon footprint," said Suryono, CEO of ALKO Sumatra Coffee.

"Collaboration with the CERI - PPNP team, along with support from platforms like Qhitink and EcoTrace recording, will help us achieve our production targets for low-emission coffee that is globally competitive."

PT Pesona Global Multikarya, as a partner led by Tiara Zul Afifah and its commissioner Pebriyansah, stated: "Circular Economy and SDGs. The circular economy concept is the foundation of this research. Coffee skin waste, pulp, and processed water are utilized as organic fertilizer and natural biostimulant materials, enriching soil fertility and reducing pollution. This system simultaneously strengthens farmer welfare through production cost efficiency and environmental conservation."

With the spirit of "from research to community," this activity is expected to bridge the academic and industrial worlds, as well as present innovations that have a direct impact on farmers and the environment.