Malaysia’s coffee culture has grown beyond the daily cup of kopi. From specialty cafés to single-origin brews, more consumers are becoming curious about where their coffee comes from, including the farmers, landscapes and communities behind every harvest.
This growing interest reflects a wider global trend. The specialty coffee market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% between 2025 and 2030, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to see even faster growth.
Consumers are increasingly looking for quality coffee with a clear origin and ethical sourcing practices.
But some coffee stories go beyond flavour. In the Arfak Mountains of West Papua, Indonesia, Arabica coffee is helping local communities protect their forests, strengthen livelihoods and maintain their connection with nature.
Where Coffee Grows Alongside the Forest
Situated around 1,800 to 2,000 metres above sea level, the Arfak Mountains provide suitable conditions for growing Arabica coffee. Here, coffee plants grow alongside vegetables, fruits and other crops in household gardens.
However, coffee was once considered to have little economic value. Many farmers planted only a few trees for personal consumption, while others left them unmanaged or removed them altogether.
“Before 2018, coffee was only one or two trees per farmer. Some planted it but did not know what to develop it into. Some were even cut down because they were considered to have no value,” said Barto Inden, a local youth involved in developing Arfak coffee.
That perception gradually changed as communities began recognising coffee’s potential as both an income source and a way to manage their land more sustainably.
With the Arfak Mountains facing environmental pressures such as land clearing, heavy rainfall and threats to local water sources, sustainable cultivation has become increasingly important. Mixed planting practices and avoiding land burning help protect soil, water catchment areas and surrounding ecosystems.
Building a Coffee Economy From the Ground Up
Efforts to develop Arfak coffee gained momentum in 2019 with support from Bentara Papua.
Instead of introducing an entirely new system, the organisation worked alongside communities to improve existing farming practices through technical training, better production methods and market access.
“We did not bring a finished system. We learned together with the community from their own gardens, and from there we assessed the potential of this coffee in accordance with the community culture,” said Demius Aud, Coordinator of Bentara Papua’s Udohotma Station.
Through the Merdesa Village School (SEKAM), local youth receive training in coffee cultivation, natural resource management and processing. The Udohotma Station also serves as a learning and production hub for farmers.
Training covers everything from nursery management and organic fertiliser production to natural pest control. Farmers also learn post-harvest techniques such as fruit sorting, fermentation, washing and solar drying to improve coffee quality.
From Highland Farms to Global Coffee Markets
Today, Arfak coffee involves 37 farmer groups across seven districts, with cultivation spanning approximately 35 hectares of household gardens.
Coffee is purchased directly from farmers at their production sites, allowing more of its value to remain within the community rather than passing through conventional intermediaries.
Sold under the Kopi Anggi brand, the coffee is available as green beans, roasted beans and ground coffee. It has reached cafés in Manokwari and attracted international buyers from countries including Poland, Germany and the Netherlands.
Although demand continues to grow, production remains focused on maintaining quality rather than expanding too quickly.
For Barto, the initiative is about more than increasing coffee sales.
“My hope is that this is not just about production, but about the future of the people and nature of the Arfak Mountains,” he said.
Arfak coffee offers a reminder that a cup of coffee carries more than its flavour. Behind every harvest are the people, landscapes and practices that shape its journey from farm to café.
As interest in specialty coffee continues to grow, stories like this show how the industry can support more than just a good brew. With the right approach, coffee cultivation can also help protect natural environments, strengthen local livelihoods and preserve the relationship between communities and nature.