Economic Independence of Indigenous Communities in Bengkulu from Collective Coffee Processing Enterprises

For decades, the indigenous communities of Bengkulu, namely Semende Ulu Nasal, Kutai Teluk Dien, Anghang Sapat, and Lubuk Kemban, have depended on coffee plantations for their livelihoods. Most of these indigenous communities work as coffee farmers, as these four indigenous areas are geographically well-suited for producing quality coffee.

However, this potential has not significantly impacted the welfare of Indigenous Peoples. Rudimentary post-harvest coffee management and a sales system dependent on middlemen have resulted in low coffee prices. This situation impacts the welfare of Indigenous Peoples involved in the coffee production chain.

To address this situation, the four communities have each established Indigenous Community Business Groups (KUMA) and Indigenous Community-Owned Enterprises (BUMMA). Once these business institutions are established, the next step will focus on strengthening the coffee business system, including developing production infrastructure, procuring processing equipment, and strengthening capacity for collective coffee management.

The Indigenous Community together began to build a coffee drying area and equipped processing equipment such as machines. pulper, huller, roasting equipment, grinders, and packaging. The entire process was carried out collaboratively, from discussions and physical construction to purchasing equipment tailored to each group's needs. Although the process was hampered by weather and geographical conditions, construction proceeded as planned.

In addition to infrastructure, capacity building is a crucial part of the process. With training, coffee sales extend beyond the coffee cherries or dried beans. Business group members are also beginning to understand post-harvest coffee quality standards, packaging techniques, and production processes that meet market needs. The Indigenous Community is now capable of producing packaged ground coffee, which is currently being prepared for public release.

The collective economic enterprise management system established is also integrated. At the community level, KUMA and BUMMA are responsible for ensuring the availability of raw materials for red-picked coffee and ground coffee from member plantations. Meanwhile, the Bengkulu Indigenous Peoples' Economic Center, a joint venture established by the entire community, is responsible for further processing and marketing the coffee.

This scheme is designed so that the management burden is not only borne by the upstream community, creating alternative distribution channels, and will gradually reduce dependence on middlemen due to limited business capital.

Initiatives by the Semende Ulu Nasal, Kutai Teluk Dien, Anghang Sapat, and Lubuk Kembang Indigenous Communities have strengthened their economic institutions through a more structured and planned collective enterprise system. KUMA and BUMMA are managed in a participatory manner, with Indigenous Youth and Women directly involved in various stages of production.

With coffee processing facilities now operational, along with the organization of collective businesses and a clear division of roles, the Indigenous Communities of Semende Ulu Nasal, Kutai Teluk Dien, Anghang Sapat, and Lubuk Kembang have firmly established a path towards Indigenous Peoples' economic independence.