Bedhag Kopi, Serving Liberica Wine Coffee with a Bold Fermented Twist

“They serve authentic Jember coffee and unique wine coffee. The owner is friendly and knowledgeable about the entire coffee process,” said Awaa, one of Bedhag Kopi's customers.

This kind of feedback reflects the heart of Bedhag Coffee Roastery: a place that does not just sell coffee, but also shares stories, processes, and passion with every cup.

Founded in 2016 by Donny Agustinus Waluyo, Bedhag Coffee Roastery started as a humble stall serving simple coffee drinks in Jember. The name “Bedhag” comes from the Javanese word for market booths, small shops where communities gather and share stories.

“When I opened it after resigning from work in 2016, I opened a coffee shop that was small, because the small size was a model like a stall in a traditional market like a bedhag,” Donny recalled.

From these modest beginnings, Bedhag Coffee quickly grows. By 2017, profits from the coffee stall enabled Donny to purchase a coffee plantation in Sumbercandik, Panduman Village, located at the foothills of Mount Argopuro. This farm is now part of a community-based cultivation system led by local farmers, which integrates traditional farming practices with modern coffee-growing techniques.

Donny’s commitment extends beyond farming; he has become secretary of the local coffee farmers’ association, focusing on improving post-harvest processing and promoting Jember’s specialty coffee across Indonesia.

One of Bedhag’s most innovative creations is its Liberica wine coffee, a rare and bold product crafted through natural fermentation. This fermented coffee undergoes a unique process in which the ripe coffee cherries are fermented, like the production of wine. 

The fermentation process uses fully ripe cherries, carefully controlled to develop sweet, complex flavor profiles. The resulting brew emits aromas reminiscent of tropical fruits and grapes, justifying its name as wine coffee.

“The wine one is fermented like grape fermentation, so the coffee is roasted until it gives off a grape-like aroma,” he described.

Bedhag Coffee Roastery specializes in three main coffee varieties: Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica coffee. All are cultivated and processed by local farmer groups. While all three are available in natural processed form, the Liberica and Arabica beans are specially used for their signature wine coffee product.

Their corn-mixed coffee, which is based on traditional Javanese recipes, is another unique item. When roasted corn is mixed with coffee beans, a cheap, nostalgic drink is made that is popular in local coffee shops and warkop (street cafés).

Bedhag Coffee has built a loyal customer base even though it mostly does business offline. In Jember, their coffee is sold in six tourist shops and six well-known cafés, as well as at their roastery in Sumbersari.

Before the pandemic, Bedhag promoted its coffee internationally, partnering with cigar companies and tour operators. Today, while focusing on local markets, they still occasionally receive international orders, including specialty items like kopi luwak from Malaysia.

Bedhag’s distinctiveness lies not only in its product line but also in its philosophy. The brand redefines coffee as more than a beverage; it serves as a bridge between local tradition, community farming, and innovation.

Arabica and Robusta coffee packs by Bedhag Kopi, highlighting Jember’s coffee culture. Photo: Sufi Binti Khofifah

Best Seller 

• Liberica Wine Coffee: fermented with a special technique that enhances its unique wine-like flavor profile.
• Liberica Natural Process: a robust, earthy coffee sourced from the rare Liberica bean variety.
• Corn-Mixed Coffee: a heritage blend that appeals to budget-conscious drinkers seeking traditional flavors.

Customer Reviews

 “One of the Coffee Roasteries in Jember producing premium coffee at affordable prices, offering both ground and roasted beans.” – Moch Wahyu Ramadhani

Bedhag Coffee Roastery’s pricing is accessible for many types of customers. For casual drinkers, there are simple coffee blends starting from just IDR 15,000 per pack. Meanwhile, their specialty wine coffee, particularly the Liberica variant, is available at prices up to IDR 150,000 per kilogram, offering a unique tasting experience for more seasoned coffee enthusiasts. With this price range, Bedhag successfully caters to both everyday consumers and those seeking rare brews.

What truly sets Bedhag apart is its rare use of Liberica coffee beans, also known locally as kopi raja or kopi nangka. Introduced during the Dutch colonial era, Liberica coffee is now scarce due to its low yield. For every 100 kilograms of coffee cherries, only 1 to 10 kilograms of green beans are harvested, making it a prized specialty.

To purchase, customers can visit the roastery directly or order via WhatsApp. Although Bedhag does not currently use online marketplaces, customers can follow their journey and discover more on Bedhag Coffee Roastery's social media.

For those in Jember or coffee enthusiasts passing through, Bedhag Coffee Roastery offers more than just coffee, it delivers a rich experience grounded in local soil, nurtured by tradition, and elevated by innovation.

 Author: Sufi Binti Khofifah