KDM asks traders in Ciwidey-Pangalengan to stop selling sachet coffee
BANDUNG - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi asked traders in the Ciwidey and Pangalengan tourist areas to stop the dominance of bagged coffee and switch to selling local tubruk coffee to build a tourist identity with character.
This step was taken considering the irony that occurred in Bandung Regency as the largest producer of arabica coffee in West Java, but the manufacturer's sachet products actually dominate the stalls in tourist attractions rather than the produce itself.
"Bandung is the best producer of coffee, but people who drink typical Bandung coffee have not really tasted it. So in Ciwidey and Pangalengan, especially kios selling packaged coffee bags, they should sell typical Bandung forest coffee," said Dedi as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, April 28.
The man, who is familiarly called KDM, emphasized that the shift to local coffee is not just a matter of taste, but an effort to strengthen the people's economy and create a memory for tourists through the distinctive aroma of the region.
Based on data from the West Java Plantation Service, Bandung Regency is the "king" of arabica coffee with an increasing production trend. In 2024, production reached 8,567 tons, a significant jump compared to 2017 which was at 5,277 tons.
Apart from coffee, Dedi also highlighted the potential of Malabar tea, Ciwidey, and Pangalengan which should be the main treat for visitors.
According to him, authentic culinary experiences such as enjoying pounded coffee, local tea, to the original lotek of the region will provide emotional attachment for tourists.
"This will build memory. When you visit there, the taste of coffee is different, the aroma of tea is different. That's what should be able to bind people who come," he said.
Previously, Dedi had discussed restrictions on the sale of packaged coffee in the plenary meeting of the Bandung Regency DPRD as a form of commitment to protect local plantation products from the onslaught of mass industrial products.