Amid the sprawling coffee plantations of Bandung Regency, West Java, the massive pipeline network owned by PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) Tbk Kamojang Area stands prominently across the landscape. These steel pipelines transport high-pressure steam from deep beneath the earth’s surface. Rather than disrupting the environment, this symbol of modern technology has become a vital lifeline for local coffee farmers.
Kamojang has a long history as the home of Indonesia’s first geothermal power plant (PLTP). As it approaches a century of operation, Kamojang demonstrates that renewable energy is not only about supplying electricity to the nation, but also about using the earth’s natural heat to strengthen local livelihoods through the production of Kamojang Arabica coffee.
For traditional coffee farmers, post-harvest processing—particularly drying coffee beans—has long been a challenging task due to the humid mountain climate. Coffee beans that remain wet for too long are susceptible to mold, reducing quality and lowering their market value.
To address this challenge, a green innovation was developed through collaboration between local coffee entrepreneurs and PGE: the Geothermal Dry House. The system utilizes geothermal steam traps as an alternative heat source, channeling geothermal energy into a specially designed drying facility.
This technology has significantly reduced dependence on sunlight. Drying, which previously took up to 45 days during the rainy season, can now be completed in just 3 to 10 days. This operational breakthrough has improved efficiency by 300 percent. The hygienic drying process, conducted under controlled temperatures, produces premium-quality coffee beans that have elevated the reputation of Kamojang coffee in the global market.
Today, PGE partners with three local farmer groups—Ecovill, Akkar, and Penyoeka Kopi. The collaboration has empowered at least 320 coffee-farming families.
The combination of farmers’ dedication and green technological innovation has enabled Kamojang Arabica coffee to gain recognition in international markets.***
