Indonesia Saudara Light

Coffee connoisseurs appreciate Indonesia Saudara Light for its unique combination of tradition and innovation. This lightly roasted single origin from Indonesia comes from the Rukun Saudara cooperative on Sumatra. In every cup, the rich origin and the care with which Rum Baba Coffeeroasters processed this bean are evident.

The coffee grows in the village of Bengkolan Dua at the foot of the Kerinci volcano in Jambi, Sumatra. It is a project by Abdul Aziz Thohari and his Rukun Saudara cooperative, founded in 2017 with around 50 local farmers. Thanks to joint investments, the drying facility expanded from 50 m² to 800 m². Together the members cultivate about 30 hectares of coffee land, at elevations of approximately 1,400–1,700 meters, which makes this cooperative one of the largest specialty farms in Indonesia. The fertile volcanic soil around Kerinci provides a lush growing environment, contributing to the quality of the harvest.

Indonesia Saudara Light is lightly roasted to emphasize the clarity and complexity of the beans. This light roast brings forward lively acidity and sweet notes, ideal for filter brews. Rum Baba Coffeeroasters roasts fresh to order, coffee is typically shipped within 1–10 days after roasting for maximum freshness. For those who prefer a more intense flavor, a medium roast variant of the same coffee is also available.

In the flavor of this coffee, several facets come together. Expect notes of carob (cocoa-like), malt and tamarind juice. In addition, subtle hints of spices can be discovered, coupled with a pleasant, mild acidity and a touch of tropical fruitiness. The innovative lactic naturalprocessing contributes to refined sweetness, a silky body, and a creamy, yogurt-like tang in the finish. This balanced flavor experience is appreciated by many coffee drinkers and is also a favorite of the Rum Baba team.

The beans undergo a special processing method: Lactic Natural, in other words, lactic fermentation. In this oxygen-free fermentation, lactic acid bacteria are deliberately added instead of relying solely on natural fermentation. This experimental process gives the coffee its aforementioned creamy acidity and supple body. Such forward-looking methods illustrate the dynamic wave of innovation in the Indonesian coffee sector and elevate the flavor profile to a higher level.

This coffee consists of two Arabica varieties: Sigararutang and Andungsari. Sigararutang, translated in Batak as “to repay a debt”, is a local improved Catimor cross with Bourbon lineage. Andungsari is likewise a modern Catimor selection (released in 2013) known for its disease resistance and strong cup quality. Both varieties were developed for high yield and robustness without sacrificing flavor complexity. Together they provide a rich, well-balanced foundation for these coffee beans.

By working with cooperatives like Rukun Saudara, Rum Baba contributes to fairer trade. Farmers process their coffee cherries into green coffee themselves, giving them more control over quality and a larger share of the proceeds. About 50 small-scale farmers benefit from the shared facilities and knowledge exchange within the cooperative, strengthening the local community. Rum Baba also purchases many coffees directly from the producer or local exporter, which increases transparency and secures a fair price for farmers. In addition, the roastery invests in environmentally friendly solutions, such as an energy-efficient IMF roaster comparable to the efficient Loring roasters. In this way, the approach is both socially and ecologically sustainable.

As a light-roasted coffee, Indonesia Saudara shows its best with filter methodsA V60 pourover, Aeropress, or Kalita Wave brings out the fresh, juicy flavors optimally. Feel free to experiment with the brew method and adjust the grind accordingly. For drip or filter machines, a medium-fine grind works well, while a cafetière (French press) does better with a coarse grind. Tip: if espresso or moka is preferred, consider the medium roast variant for extra body.

The quality of this coffee has also been officially recognized. In 2022, Abdul Aziz achieved with a lot of this Sumatran coffee the 12^nd place in the Cup of Excellence Indonesia competition, with a score of 87.74 points. The submitted microlot consisted of 70% Sigararutang and 30% Andungsari and was processed as lactic natural, a combination that clearly appealed to the jury. This achievement underlines the world-class stature of Rukun Saudara coffee. Indonesia Saudara is also popular at Rum Baba itself, new batches usually sell out in no time due to high demand.

Rum Baba’s coffee bags immediately draw attention with their playful, colorful design. Each coffee gets its own package, often featuring graphic patterns or illustrations that look both modern and cheerful. Rum Baba regularly collaborates with external designers for unique bag artwork. The philosophy is clear, coffee drinkers should feel like a kid in a candy store when seeing all those different beans. Practical detail, the beans are available in a handy 250 g bag, fun to try, and in a 1 kg package for heavy drinkers. The kilo bags are roughly 20% cheaper per gram and generate less waste, which benefits the environment.

Indonesia Saudara Light can be ordered directly via the Rum Baba webshop or purchased in their Amsterdam locations. A 250 gram bag costs €15,75, while a 1 kg package €50,00 costs. Thanks to the bulk pack, the price per kilo is more favorable (see above). Within the Netherlands, Rum Baba ships free on orders from €55. For Belgium, Germany, and France, free shipping applies above €100. International deliveries are possible and handled by reliable partners such as PostNL, DPD, and DHL. Note, this special Sumatra coffee is seasonal: Rum Baba receives a fresh batch about twice a year, which often sells out quickly due to its popularity. So act fast if you want to get your hands on this coffee.