Rainaldi, a dedicated coffee producer and processor from Sumedang, West Java, is helping to preserve and elevate one of Indonesia’s rarest coffee species: Excelsa.

 

Excelsa belongs to the liberoid coffee group and has historically been neglected, but in recent years it has gained recognition for its unique flavor profile and heritage value.

 

Many of the Excelsa trees in Sumedang are decades old, some dating back to colonial-era plantations, and the region has become an important center for cultivating this distinctive variety. Rainaldi carefully manages every stage of production—from nurturing the tall, wild-growing trees to processing the cherries with precision—ensuring the natural complexity, fruity brightness, and unique character of Sumedang Excelsa is preserved in every batch.

 

Excelsa from Sumedang has recently gained international attention, including recognition at the World Brewers Cup 2024, and its growing popularity among coffee enthusiasts highlights its potential as a signature Indonesian coffee. Through his work, Rainaldi not only safeguards a rare varietal but also contributes to the broader effort of sharing Indonesia’s rich coffee heritage with the world.