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Which Islands in Indonesia Have Coffee Regions? Where is Java Coffee Grown?

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Asia is the largest continent by area among the seven continents and also the highest in elevation except for Antarctica. It features a high center with lower surrounding areas, averaging approximately 950 meters in altitude, predominantly consisting of mountains, plateaus, and hills, and boasts many famous peaks and volcanoes. Additionally, the Asian continent spans three climate zones—cold, temperate, and tropical—with complex and diverse climate types.

Asia is the largest continent by area among the seven continents and also the highest continent except for Antarctica. It features high central terrain with lower surroundings, with an average altitude of approximately 950 meters. Primarily composed of mountains, plateaus, and hills, Asia boasts numerous famous peaks and volcanoes. Additionally, the Asian continent spans cold, temperate, and tropical zones, with complex and diverse climate types. Coffee is mainly cultivated in Southeast Asia and South Asia, regions characterized by humid tropical monsoon climates. Asia's climate is suitable for agricultural growth, and with its rich natural resources, agriculture is highly developed. There are many coffee-producing countries such as China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Among these, Indonesia is the world's fourth-largest coffee-producing country. Such high production volume is attributed to the country's topography, climate, and abundant natural resources. Indonesia consists of 17,508 islands, earning it the title of "country of ten thousand islands" and making it the world's largest archipelagic nation. The terrain here is diverse, with most islands featuring rugged mountains, hills, and plains. Additionally, due to its location at the junction of the Eurasian, Indian Ocean, and Pacific tectonic plates, the region experiences relatively frequent volcanic activity and eruptions.

Indonesia is situated in the tropics, primarily characterized by tropical rainforest and tropical monsoon climates. The climate is hot and humid throughout the year, with average temperatures mostly between 25-27°C. The year is mainly divided into dry and rainy seasons, but due to the presence of multiple islands, the climate exhibits diversity and complexity. The diverse topography and rich climatic characteristics make Indonesia an agricultural powerhouse and an ideal region for coffee cultivation.

Indonesian Coffee Regions

Currently, coffee is cultivated on multiple islands in Indonesia, and coffee-producing regions are distinguished by island, such as Sulawesi, Bali, Java, and Sumatra, which are common classifications of Indonesian coffee today.

Among these islands, the most famous is Sumatra, which is the largest island in Indonesia and produces the most coffee. The coffee produced here is renowned for the term "Mandheling." Sumatra is primarily composed of the Barisan Mountains in the west and lowland plains in the east.

The Barisan Mountains run through the entire island, with multiple volcanoes bringing fertile soil through volcanic ash. Combined with abundant freshwater resources here, coffee trees can grow vigorously. In the southern part of the island, Robusta varieties are mainly cultivated, while Arabica is concentrated in the higher altitude northern regions, particularly represented by the Gayo production area in the Aceh Special Administrative Region and the Lintong production area in North Sumatra Province.

In FrontStreet Coffee's daily bean selection series, there is coffee from the renowned Indonesian region of Sumatra - Lintong coffee beans. These are selected from the Ateng variety (Catimor, with Ateng being the local name), processed using the locally common wet hulling method, and then deep roasted. After brewing, they release herbal, spice, and dark chocolate flavors, with a caramel-like rich body and high sweetness in the aftertaste.

Java: The Island That Named a Coffee Variety

Additionally, Java Island is relatively well-known, as the coffee variety "Java" derives its name from this island. According to records, in the early 20th century, botanist P.J.S. Carmer brought coffee varieties selected in Ethiopia to Indonesia and named them the "Abyssinia" series, which included the Java variety. Due to its strong disease resistance and excellent flavor, it was widely cultivated. Later, this variety was also introduced and cultivated by farmers in Africa, the Americas, and other regions, thus naming the variety after the island of "Java."

Java is located between Bali and Sumatra, is Indonesia's fifth-largest island, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Java Sea to the north, and is one of the most densely populated islands in the world.

In the low-lying areas of the island, Robusta varieties are mostly cultivated. Specialty coffee is primarily grown on higher altitude volcanoes, with the western region concentrating around Pangrango Volcano, and central coffee production areas surrounding Merapi Volcano. The largest and most important coffee production areas on Java Island are in the eastern region, distributed around the famous Bromo and Ijen volcanoes, with cultivation altitudes between 900-1800 meters. Over 95% of Indonesia's coffee beans are produced by small farmers, while larger coffee estates are mainly located in East Java and Central Java provinces.