Simalungun & Karo Community Cooperative

Indonesia

Unroasted Coffee

Indonesia Sumatra Mandheling

Grade TP Grade 1

Discover the deep and herbal character of Indonesian Mandheling coffee, grown in Northern Sumatra, in the highlands of Simalungun and Karo by a dedicated cooperative of smallholder farmers. At elevations of 1200-1300 m.a.s.l. This coffee is cultivated under traditional agroforestry systems, promoting biodiversity and resilience. The unique post-harvest process Giling Basah (semi-washed, wet-hulled, and sundried) produces the signature heavy body and rich flavour profile that Sumatra is known for.

The result is a cup layered with fruity and citrusy notes, gentle herbal earthiness, and a clean, lingering finish accented by hints of tobacco. The creamy, full-bodied texture makes it a versatile choice for various brew methods, from espresso to drip and French press. This coffee’s balance and structure come from generations of local knowledge passed through farmer communities deeply rooted in the land. With every sip, you’re tasting a region’s heritage and care.

Available very small quantities, Sumatra Mandheling is ideal for roasters seeking a bold, complex cup with depth and distinction – a true representation of Indonesia’s rich coffee legacy.

This is unroasted coffee ready to be roasted at home or your local roastery.

Available in:

1kg

2.5kg

5kg

Quantity:

What is so special about this coffee?

What makes Sumatra Mandheling so special lies in the way it’s grown and processed by the Karo Community Coop in the highlands of Simalungun, Indonesia. Cultivated under native shade trees at high altitudes, this coffee is produced by smallholder farmers who use traditional agroforestry techniques that protect the land and preserve biodiversity. The cherries are carefully selected and processed using the distinct wet-hulling method known locally as Giling Basah. This brings out the coffee’s signature body and complexity.

This method results in a cup profile that is heavy and creamy, yet layered with fruity brightness and gentle herbal notes. Hints of orange citrus and a lingering clean finish with touches of tobacco give this coffee a bold yet refined character. It’s this combination of time-honoured practices, local wisdom and Indonesia’s unique terroir that makes Sumatra Mandheling not just special but unforgettable.

Rooted in Community and Craft

What sets these smallholder farmers apart is their commitment to cooperative farming rooted in shared knowledge and mutual support. Through the Karo Community Coop, farmers collaborate on everything from cherry selection to drying practices, ensuring consistency and quality across small, individual plots.

This collective approach empowers growers, enhances traceability, and keeps traditional methods alive. By working together, they are able to maintain rigorous standards while honouring each farmerès unique contribution. Their strength lies not just in the soil, but in the bonds that they’ve cultivated, producing a coffee that reflects both their skill and a deep respect for their land and each other.

About Simalungun and the Karo Community Coop

Nestled in the volcanic highlands of North Sumatra, the Simalungun and Karo regions are home to a long-standing tradition of coffee cultivation, passed down through Batak families for generations. The Karo Community Coop unites smallholder farmers who farm modest plots of land, often no more than a hectare, using ancestral agroforestry practices that mirror the rhythms of the rainforest. Coffee here isn’t just a crop: it’s a cultural legacy woven into daily life.

Rooted in community values, the cooperative system empowers farmers to pool resources, share knowledge, and improve quality through collective processing and training. Together, they honour centuries-old farming wisdom while embracing modern techniques to bring the bold, complex flavours of Sumatra to the world.

Learn More about Sumatra and Karo Community