Tag Archives: shade grown coffee

29Apr/26

Shaded Coffee Workshop and Training: towards economic and conservation harmony

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group photo of the workshop participants

by Sidiq Harjanto, Vika Bayu Iriyanto, & Muhammad Kuswoto

In Petungkriyono, coffee is more than just a commodity. It grows under the shade of forest trees—sharing space with wildlife, including the Javan Gibbon. In Petung’s homes, coffee is served, discussed, and positioned as a bond of togetherness across generations. Based on this reality, Javan Gibbon conservation in Petungkriyono seeks to integrate habitat management, economic strengthening, and socio-cultural revitalization. Coffee serves as a strategic entry point and leverage for this grand vision.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, a “Shaded Coffee” Workshop and Training was held for selected coffee farmers from ten locations spread across villages within the core and buffer zones of the Javan gibbon habitat. Taking place in Sokokembang Hamlet, Kayupuring Village, we invited 25 farmers from the Petungkriyono, Talun, and Doro Districts. With support and funding from the Air Asia Foundation , this workshop and training are part of the year-long “ Owa Coffee: Guardian of the Gibbon ” social enterprise program.

A total of 24 participants attended the entire day’s events (one participant was unable to attend). The participants were farmers of various ages. They have intense interactions with wildlife, which in their daily practice includes utilizing forest resources while also facing the challenges of conflict with wildlife on agricultural land. The workshop aimed to strengthen their role as key actors in managing the contact zone between human activities and wildlife through harmonious cultivation practices.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Kayupuring Village Head, the Petungkriyono Police Chief, and representatives from the Perum Perhutani BKPH Doro. All parties, as stakeholders in the management of the Petungkriyono forest area, welcomed the program. In his remarks, Arif Setiawan (Director of SwaraOwa) explained the background of the program, which is a continuation of the community economic development scheme through the Coffee and Primate Conservation program, which was initiated in 2013.

Shaded coffee in a multidimensional paradigm
The implementation of this activity is to facilitate coffee farmers in gaining theoretical mastery and empirical experience regarding the potential of coffee as a strategic annual plantation commodity to be developed. The shade -grown coffee agroforestry concept that was initiated emphasizes the symbiotic aspect between coffee cultivation and wildlife habitat conservation, particularly the Javan gibbon ( Hylobates moloch ).

Ecologically, coffee plants require vegetation cover for optimal protection for their growth. Conversely, the Javan gibbon, as an arboreal primate species , requires canopy continuity to support its mobility and daily activities. In addition to the Javan gibbon, this complex vegetation structure also provides essential microhabitats for other biodiversity, including the Javan langur ( Trachypithecus auratus ), the rekrekan ( Presbytis fredericae ), and various avifauna (bird) species .

In the first session, material and a question-and-answer session were provided on the concept of shaded coffee through agroforestry, landscape and coffee market potential, wildlife-friendly coffee management, and the potential for food resources in shaded coffee plantations. The SwaraOwa team presented the Shaded Coffee concept for Javan Gibbon conservation in Petungkriyono. In this concept, coffee plantation management no longer relies solely on linear logic such as intensification to increase yields, but rather a multidimensional approach. Shaded coffee requires practices of protecting vegetation cover ( coverage ), a diversity of native tree species, organic farming, a commitment to wildlife protection, and guaranteed participation space for women.

Edi Dwi Atmaja of Katamata Coffee outlined the Indonesian coffee market, which is still dominated by conventional coffee. However, in recent years, a niche market that appreciates coffee with special schemes—including shade-grown coffee for conservation—has continued to grow. Based on his ten years of experience in the roastery and coffee shop business, he sees a growing market opportunity. Shaded coffee is building a special segment, with the potential for additional economic value from consumer appreciation for good practices. In its development, in addition to ensuring best practices on the farm and a responsible supply chain as absolute requirements, building a compelling narrative to engage the market is a strategy that needs to be continuously developed going forward.

In Kemuning Village, Bejen District, Temanggung Regency, a conservation coffee program is run by the Javan Wildlife Institute (JAWI). Denis Albihad, director of JAWI, explained the program implemented in Kemuning with the community groups they assist. Coffee cultivation is carried out organically, protecting forest trees, and integrated with the Javan Slow Loris ( Nycticebus javanicus ) conservation program. The farmers in the group benefit not only from the coffee harvest but also from the economic benefits of growing ecotourism activities.

Shaded coffee allows for added value from the food potential of various wild species: herbs, shrubs, and various forest mushrooms that populate the understory . In her presentation, Amelia Nugrahaningrum showcased the full potential of local foods in Petungkriyono. Some are still commonly used today, while others are becoming less well-known. Through the Genau Indonesia organization, Amel and her husband are trying to contribute to preserving this food potential through an experience -based tourism scheme in Tlogopakis Village.

Participants explain current practices regarding coffee in their villages

Sharpening the implementation of shade-grown coffee practices
In the second session, through a focus group discussion (FGD), it became clear that coffee—and its cultivation—is a focal point for various aspects of community life. Many interests intersect, requiring careful and cautious approach. At the very least, we examined the issue from ecological, economic, and sociocultural perspectives.
Coffee is a key commodity, alongside various agroforestry crops such as spices, durian, petai, sugar palm, and tubers. However, farmers tend to view coffee as their primary source of income, thus neglecting to optimize other commodities. However, growing various commodity crops alongside native species on a single managed plot of land not only provides economic benefits but also creates a microecosystem that maintains the resilience of the agroforestry system itself. Complexly vegetated gardens automatically enable feedback loops in pest control, pollination, and protection from extreme drought.

The majority of participants complained about interactions with wildlife, which often lead to conflicts on agricultural land. For example, the presence of long-tailed macaques ( Macaca fascicularis ) is considered an agricultural pest by farmers. This also occurs in many parts of Indonesia, and to date, there is no consensus on how to resolve this problem. The focus group discussions (FGDs ) have created an opportunity: citizen science , involving farmers in collecting field data. The availability of data on populations, behavior, and the presence of natural enemies—predators—can provide valuable information for resolving this problem in the future.

Hope for a sustainable agricultural system remains. Participants shared their experiences. Many positive stories arose. Mr. Sawal from Lemahabang Village shared his habit of growing chilies and tubers in his garden. He plants them for harvest and consumption. The economic benefits don’t come directly, but rather through substitution: saving cash by investing in labor—growing his own daily food.

an ilustration of shaded coffee by participants

Rudi, a young farmer from Sawangan Ronggo, illustrated on a flipchart how his hamlet’s coffee plantations still accommodate various forest tree species, including the bendo, kayu babi, gintung, sentul , and sugar palm. Sawangan Ronggo boasts abundant sugar palm, which supports the economy through its palm sugar production. His sketch shows cardamom plants filling the understory. This spice provides an additional source of income, harvested every two months.
There have also been proposals to integrate beekeeping into coffee plantations. Integrating bees into plantations can bring numerous benefits. Economically, beekeeping can provide additional income through honey harvesting. Furthermore, bees are efficient pollinators for both coffee plants and wild tree species in general. Consequently, organic practices are essential to protect bees from chemical exposure. SwaraOwa has been piloting local beekeeping since 2017 in Mendolo Village, Lebakbarang District.

This workshop and training marked the beginning of our long-term collaboration. In May, coinciding with the start of the coffee harvest season, we will meet again for a similar activity with a more practical theme: coffee post-harvest processing. Through a holistic shaded coffee scheme—based on our deep insight and proven skills—we strive to achieve harmony between the interests of environmental sustainability and the well-being of communities.

In closing, in accordance with the theme of this workshop, “Owa coffee: guardian of the gibbons” can be interpreted as “Owa Coffee: Guardian of the forest and gibbons”, the meaning is not just branding, but rather emphasizing that:

1. This coffee production involves farmers as the main actors. They are not only coffee producers, but also part of the conservation movement.

2. Farmers play a dual role: producing quality coffee while protecting the forest, which serves as a gibbon habitat. This way, every cup of coffee they produce carries the message that this coffee comes from a sustainable forest.

3. Symbolic meaning: coffee becomes a medium that connects consumers with the struggle of farmers to protect gibbons and forests.

(translated from original article published in : https://swaraowa.blogspot.com/2026/04/workshop-dan-pelatihan-kopi-naungan.html)

27Mar/26

Mapping Shade Grown Coffee Potential for Javan Gibbon Habitat Inclusivity

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Javan gibbon family

by Sidiq Harjanto & Muhammad Kuswoto

Coffee has become an integral part of the Javan Gibbon habitat landscape in the Petungkriyono Forest, Pekalongan Regency. There is a clear overlap between the economic needs of the community and the integrity of the forest as a habitat for various wildlife, including this endangered endemic primate. This is not to mention the numerous functions of the forest, such as maintaining the water cycle and binding the soil and preventing landslides. Continuing our efforts to find a balance between these various interests, this year, with support from Air Asia Foundation we continue previous Owa coffee project and expanding our shade-grown coffee development scheme.

Over the past month, we have been conducting data collection on coffee farming communities. This survey was conducted in ten locations, covering six villages near the forest in three sub-districts that serve as buffer zones for the Javan Gibbon habitat in the Petungkriyono Forest. This data collection spans contrasting ecological and socio-economic gradients, from relatively lowlands—approximately 300 meters above sea level—to highlands above 1,500 meters above sea level, ranging from forest farming communities to intensive vegetable farming communities.
This data collection not only captures aspects of coffee cultivation but also attempts to delve into the diverse characteristics of these communities, from their social interaction patterns to their relationships with forest resources in general. Data collection methods included interviews to examine several aspects: the coffee plantation management model used, the potential for commodities other than coffee, and other activities carried out in the forest. To gain a firsthand understanding of coffee cultivation practices, we conducted direct visits to community-managed coffee plantations.

mixed garden-Coffee shade

Coffee Agroforestry Spectrum

We summarized several interesting points. In terms of coffee production, due to the extreme variations in altitude, coffee-producing locations have specific profiles. Seven locations produce Robusta coffee, while the other three locations predominantly produce Arabica coffee. Excelsa and Liberica coffee varieties were also found, but in relatively small quantities.

We found three main spectrums of coffee cultivation patterns around the Javan gibbon habitat, which we have termed as: mixed gardens, simple agroforests, and shade forests. Essentially, all types are forms of agroforestry, but differ in their structure and complexity. First, mixed gardens refer to relatively intensive coffee cultivation (with grafting, pruning, and sometimes fertilization) combined with commodity crops such as cloves,albizia, durian, avocado, and bananas. This practice is generally carried out on private gardens or in easily accessible forest land.
Second, simple agroforests involve coffee cultivation combined with food crops such as vegetables or corn. This practice is common in highland areas where Arabica coffee is the main commodity. Coffee is planted as a border crop or intercrop in vegetable or corn fields. Occasionally, shade trees, both wild and commercial species, are also found, creating a similar pattern to mixed gardens. However, intensive coffee management is rare in this type.
Third, the rustic shade type, which cultivates coffee within forest areas and grows under the shade of forest trees. In this practice, the coffee plants receive minimal care and maintenance; they generally grow taller by competing with the forest trees for sunlight. In this type, the coffee is part of the forest strata itself. This type is most conducive to wildlife, including the Javan gibbon. We observed several good practices in shaded coffee management, for example: the conservation of certain tree species for shade, such as the bento tree (Artocarpus elasticus).

rustic shade grown coffee in Sawanganronggo forest

Extractive Activities in Coffee-Producing Villages

In addition to exploring coffee potential from village to village, we also sought information on community activities related to forests. We found that extractive activities persist, including wildlife poaching. This poaching issue involves various interconnected factors.

We identified three main typologies of poaching activities based on motivation. First, economic motives: some residents engage in poaching as a survival strategy to cover income gaps from the primary sector, particularly agriculture, which is not yet optimal. They generally target songbird species that have economic value. Second, recreational motives: some others see this activity as a hobby, a way to fill free time, or a way to satisfy a passion that has become ingrained in their daily lives. Third, pest control motives: some communities view hunting as an effort to control the population of animals considered agricultural pests, such as wild boar and longtailed macaques.

We strive to understand these three dimensions neutrally so that we can offer interventions that are not confrontational, but rather more sustainable value substitutions. This data collection is the initiative for a program to increase farmers’ capacity in coffee processing and conservation efforts, especially for those whose side activities involve wildlife hunting. This scheme aims to expand the impact of the Coffee and Primates Project, which launched Owa Coffee more than a decade ago.

New ground zero for owa-guarding coffee

As a follow-up, we will collaborate with 25 farmers who will become pioneers in a capacity building program over the next year. Our primary focus is building a long-term commitment to shift their energy and resources from hunting to shade-grown coffee management. This effort is aimed at improving the economic well-being of farming families through agroforestry-based coffee, while simultaneously reducing hunting activities in the Petungkriyono Forest.

Of course, there is no single recipe for resolving these problems, but there are several proposals. Economic Resilience Strategy: Increase product added value through post-harvest improvements and crop diversification within coffee plantations (multi-commodity). The goal is to ensure income from shade-grown coffee is more stable and profitable than extractive activities in the forest. Farmers are encouraged not to rely solely on coffee as a single commodity, but to combine it with various other commodities.

Prestige and Skills Strategy: Shift the “challenge” and “enjoyment” aspects from challenging hunting activities to other competitive, productive environments, such as specialty coffee. The enjoyment of exploring the forest also presents opportunities to engage farmers in participatory biodiversity data collection and monitoring through citizen science. The contributions of young farmers in Mendolo Village to this scheme have proven this.

It is undeniable that wildlife conflicts are often the tip of the iceberg of larger and more complex problems. The emergence of disturbances to cultivated crops by wildlife can be caused by disruptions to the ecosystem balance, for example, due to the loss of predators. Ecological Literacy Strategy (ecoliteracy): Implemented to increase the understanding of farming communities regarding the importance of maintaining ecosystem balance for the sustainability of our agriculture.

It could be said that this data collection marks a new milestone for the long journey ahead, where our collaborative efforts for farmer welfare and Javan gibbon habitat preservation will grow side by side within a single, inclusive, productive landscape. Mainstreaming shade-grown coffee not only maintains the economic resilience of farming communities but also maintains habitat connectivity—an absolute prerequisite for wildlife conservation. This means that the principle of inclusivity applies not only to fellow humans but also extends to providing space for wildlife.