Blending Coffee and Culture

In this photo taken on January 19, 2016, coffee in different stages of grinding are on display at the Satria coffee plantation near Bangli, central Bali. Indonesia is the fourth largest producer of coffee in the world. (AFP Photo/David Gannon)

Indonesia Specialty Coffee Exhibition (ISCE) invites crowds to Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The exhibition which started on Friday, August 11, 2017 is promoting coffee culture that is booming in both Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as the variety of specialty coffee that originates from the archipelago nation.

"I see that coffee consumption in Malaysia grows every year, but not many know about premium coffee products, especially those from Indonesia," economic counselor minister from the Indonesian Embassy of Kuala Lumpur (KBRI), Krishna Hannan said.

According to his statement at the event launch on Saturday, August 12, 2017, the reason the event is running for its second time in Malaysia is to spread the awareness and educate visitors and the Malaysian citizens. The event is collaborating with Indonesian Specialty Coffee Association (AKSI) that will hold a coffee talk discussing "Tropical Climate and Mountain Contours making Indonesia an agriculture haven for premium coffee", added AKSI chief board advisor, Delima Hasri.

"Indonesian premium coffee adds value to exports, with Malaysia as a main market" said AKSI chairman and ASEAN Coffee Federation, Syafruddin. Products that will be showcased at ISCE 2017 are premium arabica and the finest robusta such as Gayo coffee, Ulee Kareeng, Sidikalang, Lintong, Mandhailing, Bajawa, Malabar, Kintamani and Toraja, all of which originates from popular coffee production locations in Indonesia.

The ISCE 2017 opening ceremony was officiated by representatives from the New Zealand embassy, European Union (EU), Thailand, Kirgystan, Malaysia Specialty Coffee Association, hotel general managers, and restaurant and cafe owners in a toast to welcome visitors and stage performers.

The event that will run until Sunday, August 13, 2017 will be filled with activities including a live band performance, routine coffee cupping where the public and cafe owners can experience Indonesian premium coffee, and a special step by step demonstration of coffee brewing by the head of the Indonesian Barista Guild, Joshua Tanu. The coffee latte art competition victor will also bring to view on the widescreen his coffee latte art.