SiNergi Research Team of PPNP and CERI Visits Tiga Dara Organic Coffee Farm, Highlights the Role of Women in the Indonesian Coffee Industry

South Tapanuli, June 3, 2026 – The SiNergi Research Team of Payakumbuh State Agricultural Polytechnic (PPNP), led by Prof. Dr. Rince Alfia Fadri, S.ST., M.Biomed., accompanied by researchers from the Coffee Education Research Institute (CERI), conducted a field visit to one of the organic coffee plantations in South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra.

The visit was carried out for field observation and data collection related to cultivation practices, processing, and traceability of coffee implemented by coffee business actors in North Sumatra.

One of the locations visited was PT Tapanuli Agro Mandiri, better known as Tiga Dara. This coffee company was founded and is managed by Sartika Permata Nasution together with her colleagues, driven by the spirit of building a sustainable coffee business while empowering the surrounding community, especially women.

"I want other women to become empowered and improve their families' economy through the coffee plantation sector," said Sartika.

Penetrating Export Markets with Sipirok Specialty Coffee

Under Sartika's leadership, coffee produced by PT Tapanuli Agro Mandiri has successfully penetrated export markets to various countries, including Japan. One of its flagship products is Sipirok Arabica specialty coffee, known for its distinctive flavor character from the highlands of South Tapanuli.

Additionally, the company also develops Excelsa coffee products that have gained attention in various regional coffee events and festivals.

As part of her commitment to quality improvement, Sartika has also obtained CQI Arabica Processing Professional certification, an international certification awarded by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), United States. This certification demonstrates competence in implementing good coffee processing standards in accordance with global coffee industry best practices.

"This certification proves that our coffee processing methods meet internationally recognized standards," she explained.

Developing Innovation through Carbonic Maceration

Not only focusing on conventional coffee production, Sartika continues to develop innovations in post-harvest processing. One method currently being studied and applied is Carbonic Maceration, a fermentation technique that combines intracellular fermentation in a carbon dioxide-rich environment to produce more complex flavor and aroma profiles.

According to Sartika, each coffee farm has a different approach to processing.

"Coffee processing does not have one formula that works for all. Each farm has different conditions, experiences, and preferences, resulting in various coffee processing methods," she revealed.

Certified Organic Farm with Stable Production

Tiga Dara coffee plantation is an organic coffee farm that has obtained official certification from the government. Located in the Kampung Baru area with a total area of approximately 200 hectares, this plantation is known for its relatively stable productivity throughout the harvest season.

Sartika explained that when some farmers experience a decline in production, her plantation is still able to produce sustainable harvests. Harvesting is carried out regularly every 10 days according to the ripeness level of the coffee cherries.

Interestingly, the cultivation system implemented relies on natural processes without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. This approach is one of the factors supporting the plantation's organic status and maintaining ecosystem balance in the plantation area.

Inspiration for Young Women in the Coffee Industry

On that occasion, Prof. Dr. Rince Alfia Fadri, S.ST., M.Biomed., expressed appreciation for Sartika's dedication in building a coffee business while empowering communities through the agricultural sector.

According to her, Sartika is an inspiring figure who shows that the younger generation, especially women, have great opportunities to contribute to the development of Indonesia's coffee industry.

"Sartika has proven that the younger generation can become key players in the agricultural sector and build economic independence through coffee. The spirit and innovation shown serve as inspiration for many women to dare to work and become entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector," said Prof. Rince.

Although she has successfully penetrated export markets and developed various coffee processing innovations, Sartika acknowledges that the journey ahead is still long. She hopes to continue developing product quality, expanding markets, and providing greater benefits for farmers and the surrounding community.

The visit of the SiNergi PPNP and CERI research team to PT Tapanuli Agro Mandiri is expected to provide a real picture of organic coffee cultivation practices, post-harvest processing innovations, and the important role of women in driving the sustainability of Indonesia's coffee industry.