INDONESIA TORAJA PEDAMARAN PIPI

The Torajan tribe, nestled in the central highlands of South Sulawesi, continues to preserve a rich cultural heritage, living in traditional villages where their distinctive boat-shaped houses reflect their deep connection to history. This region's geography is a marvel, humid rice paddies stretch across the lowlands, bordered by dramatic thousand-foot cliffs that rise steeply and are often veiled in a constant mist. Coffee thrives here in one of Indonesia's most unique environments, grown at remarkable elevations reaching up to 2,000 meters above sea level (MASL), some of the highest coffee farms in the country.

Most Torajan coffee farmers work on small plots averaging less than 3 acres. Recently, these producers have begun organizing to establish community micro-mills, transforming how coffee is processed in the region. At these facilities, farmers meticulously sort their coffee cherries before depulping them, fermenting overnight, and washing them. The beans are then spread out on patios to partially dry. However, what sets Torajan coffee apart is the use of a special method called Giling Basah, or wet hulling. This process removes the parchment layer while the coffee still retains a high moisture content, leaving the exposed beans to dry further until they reach export-ready levels. This approach not only creates the beans' unique bluish tint but also contributes to the bold, earthy flavors that define Indonesian coffee, making it a standout on the global stage.