IPB University’s CoffeeCraft 2024: Bridging Coffee Culture, Science, and Industry in a Thrilling Summer Course

This year, the Department of Food Science and Technology at IPB University proudly launched its inaugural coffee-themed summer course, titled “CoffeeCraft: Unveiling Indonesia’s Bean-to-Cup Journey Through Science and Technology“. This innovative program was made possible through collaboration between the Department of Food Science and Technology and the SEAFAST Center at IPB University.

CoffeeCraft aims to highlight and promote the scientific aspects of Indonesia’s rich coffee culture to students and professionals around the globe. To achieve this goal, the program featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Dr. Xiomara Fernanda Quinones Ruiz from BOKU University, Austria, and Dr. Sasitorn Baipong from Chiang Mai University, Thailand. In addition, lecturers and researchers from the Department of Food Science and Technology at IPB University contributed their expertise, along with practitioners from PT Santos Jaya Abadi, one of Indonesia’s leading coffee industry players in both powdered and ready-to-drink coffee products. These experts shared their insights on coffee culture from both local and global perspectives, providing a broad understanding of coffee’s role in various societies.

The summer course took place from July 1st to July 9th, 2024, and was conducted in a hybrid format. The primary venue was the Department of Food Science and Technology at IPB University, with additional sessions held at the SEAFAST Center. An online platform was also provided, allowing remote participation via Zoom. A total of 46 participants engaged in this comprehensive 10-day program, either in person (27 participants) or online (19 participants) from different universities and affiliations, such as BOKU University, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, IPB University, Indonesia Institute for Life Sciences (i3L), Diponegoro University, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, and Sucafina Indonesia Coffee.

The course covered a wide range of topics related to coffee, including the cultural significance of coffee in Indonesia and internationally, the coffee production process, brewing techniques, the economic value of coffee, and its health impacts. Participants had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of coffee science through lectures and practical hands-on sessions.

One of the highlights of the course was a hands-on brewing session led by Eka Pramudya, a professional barista from Kemenady Coffee. Participants were guided through the process of creating their own coffee brews, allowing them to apply the knowledge gained during lectures in a practical setting. At the end of the course, participants presented their coffee brew concepts along with the scientific principles discussed in small groups.

To further immerse participants in Indonesia’s coffee culture, the program included visits to local cafes and production facilities. Participants explored Rumah Kopi Ranin in Bogor, where they sampled various coffee brews and engaged in discussions with local baristas about brewing techniques. Additionally, a visit to the renowned Kopi Luwak production plant in Cikole, Bandung, provided an in-depth look at the production process of this unique Indonesian coffee.

The CoffeeCraft summer course offered participants a comprehensive exploration of coffee, from bean to cup, enriched by new experiences and knowledge. “This summer course truly provided a new perspective on coffee. I now understand that coffee is more than just a bitter drink; it’s a complex and diverse experience,” said Berlian, one of the participants.

All activities in the program are eligible for up to 2 academic credits for participants, further enhancing the value of this unique educational experience.

The summer course opening at Abdul Muis Nasution Auditorium

Hybrid lecture session by Prof. Dr. Purwiyatno Hariyadi from Department of Food Science and Technology IPB University

Hands on experience: manual brewing session

Hands on experience: espresso brewing session