Coffee Agroforestry in Temiang, Sepahat and Tanjung Kuras

Agroforestry on peatland presents particular challenges. Peat soils generally have high water content and high acidity, requiring specific management approaches to maintain soil fertility and minimise fire risk.

Community members in Tanjung Kuras planting Liberica coffee within a rubber plantation on peatland

Peatland agroforestry practices include using water-tolerant perennial or timber species, such as jelutung, damar or sengon, to help maintain soil structure and reduce fire risk. Other efforts combine coffee with crops grown on peatland, including sago, rubber and other agricultural crops.

Managing agroforestry on peatland requires careful attention to ecosystem balance and potential environmental risks. Continued innovation and deeper understanding are needed to improve these practices while maintaining sustainability and ecological balance.

Introducing Fruits of Peatland: Coffea liberica

Ripe red Liberica coffee cherries after harvesting

The term “peatland coffee” is becoming increasingly familiar. Liberica is described in the article as one of 4 coffee varieties grown around the world. It grows well in lowland areas and has demonstrated resilience on highly acidic peat soils. Liberica trees tend to be larger than Arabica or Robusta, with larger, differently shaped leaves. Their fruit and beans are also larger than those of Arabica.

Liberica generally has a flavour profile distinct from Arabica and Robusta. Some coffee enthusiasts describe its taste as unique and complex, often with characteristic fruity or floral notes. Its aroma can also differ from other coffee varieties.

A Liberica coffee tree in Siak Kecil District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau

Although appreciated by coffee enthusiasts seeking distinctive flavours, Liberica remains less prominent than Arabica and Robusta in global production. Efforts are being made to increase its market profile. Field information cited in the article indicated prices of Rp. 30,000–Rp. 35,000 per kg for green beans and Rp. 190,000–250,000 per kg for roasted beans.

Coffee Agroforestry in Temiang, Sepahat and Tanjung Kuras

In these three villages, coffee is intercropped with rubber on peatland. Growing the two crops on the same land aims to use available space and resources efficiently while maintaining environmental balance.

Yayasan Gambut sees this approach as an effective way to add value to existing land without clearing new areas. The article identifies the following benefits:

1. More efficient land use

Combining coffee and rubber can make better use of available peatland. The crops grow together and draw on different soil layers. Young coffee plants also need shade, which existing rubber trees can provide during early growth.

2. Diversified agricultural production

Intercropping coffee and rubber produces different crops on the same plot, creating additional economic value for communities in Temiang and Tanjung Kuras.

3. Environmental balance

Peatland agroforestry can help retain soil moisture and reduce soil degradation and fire risk. Clearing new land or using fire to establish crops can damage peatland ecosystems. Maintaining coffee and rubber together can contribute to ecosystem balance and soil moisture retention.

4. More sustainable income

Combining the two crops can provide farmers and communities with a more sustainable source of income. Even when agricultural prices fluctuate, farmers using this approach have income opportunities from both rubber latex and coffee cherries.

At the time of reporting, 700 coffee plants had been planted in Temiang, 300 in Sepahat and 200 in Tanjung Kuras. All three villages face peatland fire risks. These efforts are intended to help protect the natural resources that support community livelihoods and sustain peatland ecosystems.