Question 1

When is Indonesian coffee harvested?

Accepted Answer

Indonesia harvests coffee year-round across its islands. Northern Sumatra's main Arabica harvest runs October to March, while Java, Sulawesi, Bali, and Flores harvest across the dry season from around April or May through October. Staggered island climates mean fresh green coffee reaches port nearly every month of the year.

Question 2

When is the Sumatra coffee harvest season?

Accepted Answer

Sumatra's specialty Arabicas — Aceh Gayo, Mandheling, and Lintong — have their main harvest from October to January with a tail into March, and Gayo cherries typically peak in November and December. The fresh-crop export window from Belawan is usually February to June, with smaller fly-crop lots appearing through the middle of the year.

Question 3

When do Java, Sulawesi, Bali, and Flores coffees harvest?

Accepted Answer

These origins south and east of the equator follow the dry season. Java picks roughly May to September (peak June–July), Sulawesi Toraja and Bali Kintamani run June to September (peak July–August), and Flores harvests June to August. Washed and natural lots generally ship July to November.

Question 4

What is the difference between main crop and fly crop coffee?

Accepted Answer

The main crop is the primary annual harvest — the largest volume and the most consistent quality. The fly crop is a smaller secondary harvest that follows roughly six months later; volumes are lower and quality more variable, but it extends availability and can produce distinctive lots. On this calendar, dark cells mark the main harvest and lighter cells mark the fly crop.

Question 5

When is the best time to buy fresh-crop Indonesian green coffee?

Accepted Answer

Buy just after a region's harvest. For Sumatra origins like Gayo and Mandheling, contract around November to January and expect beans from February to June. For Java, Sulawesi, and Bali, target mid-year picking with July-to-November shipments. Mid-season lots usually offer the most stable moisture and the cleanest cups.

Question 6

When should I book a container to land fresh Indonesian coffee?

Accepted Answer

Align contracts one to two months before a region's peak and book vessel space early, because ports congest during the peak harvest months of July to September. From Sumatra (Belawan), fresh crop sails February to June; to land in the US by August, sail late June to mid-July. Allow roughly six to eight weeks of transit plus milling and grading lead time.

Question 7

Is Indonesian coffee available year-round?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because the archipelago straddles the equator and each island harvests on its own rainfall-driven cycle, fresh lots land somewhere nearly every month. Buying well off a specific origin's window usually means older crop with faded aromatics, so always confirm freshness with a recent cupping score.

Question 8

Do Indonesian coffee harvest dates change every year?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Microclimates, altitude, and monsoon shifts driven by El Nino and La Nina can move harvest timing by several weeks. Treat any harvest calendar as indicative and validate the current cherry flow and shipping windows with your exporter before committing volume.

Indonesian Coffee Harvest Calendar

When is Indonesian coffee harvested?

Indonesian coffee harvest: frequently asked questions

Sourcing for a specific harvest window?