Aceh’s PEMA ships first Gayo coffee to U.S., targets global markets

An enterprise owned by Indonesia’s Aceh province has shipped its first 19-ton batch of premium Gayo Arabica coffee to the United States, as local authorities push to tap global markets directly and boost returns for farmers.

A worker carries a sack of Gayo Arabica coffee beans as others load shipments onto a truck at a warehouse in Aceh, Indonesia, April 2026. The province is stepping up direct exports to international markets, aiming to boost returns for local farmers. PEMA

BANDA ACEH — Provincial firm PT Pembangunan Aceh (PEMA), operating through its joint venture Sumatera Noble Coffee KSO, sent the shipment in early April and is preparing a second consignment for the U.S. by early May, company executives said on Sunday (April 12, 2026).

The export marks a shift in strategy for the state-backed company, which is moving to build a more integrated supply chain and reduce reliance on intermediaries in the global coffee trade.

PEMA President Director Mawardi Nur said the breakthrough was made possible through closer coordination with farmer cooperatives and local partners across the province.

“This is not just PEMA’s work,” Mawardi said. “It reflects strong collaboration across the supply chain to bring this export to market.”

He added that maintaining quality and consistency remains critical as the company looks to expand its international footprint.

The initiative aligns with a broader push by the Aceh administration to elevate key agricultural commodities and ensure more value stays within the region.

“We want to keep moving forward together to support Aceh’s economy,” Mawardi said.

Alongside its export plans, PEMA is also strengthening its domestic market presence. The company recently shipped 21 tons of coffee to buyers in Medan, helping stabilise operations as it scales up overseas sales.