A new coffee known as Kopi Kasuari, or Kasuari Coffee, has been officially launched in Merauke, South Papua, 23 September 2025. The coffee is introduced as a distinctive product representing both the cultural identity and economic aspirations of the local community.
The philosophy behind Kasuari Coffee is rooted in the symbolic connection between the coffee and the cassowary bird, a native species to Papua that holds cultural significance for the region’s people. The coffee is positioned not only as an agricultural product but also as an emblem of Merauke’s identity and a driver of local development.
Emilianus Kakisina, founder of Kopi Kasuari, explained that the close relationship between the people of Merauke and the cassowary bird inspired the creation of this coffee. “Kopi Kasuari was born from our environment and culture. The cassowary is a symbol of strength and endurance for the people of Papua, and this coffee carries that same spirit,” Kakisina said.
According to Kakisina, the idea was to create a product that reflects Papua’s authenticity while offering a unique experience to coffee enthusiasts. “This coffee is more than a drink. It represents Papua’s voice in the global coffee world,” he added.
The production of Kasuari Coffee faces several challenges. Coffee cherries are harvested only during specific seasons, which limits the supply. The production process also involves cassowaries consuming the cherries before they are collected and processed, which requires careful management and quality control.
In terms of taste, Kasuari Coffee is said to feature a distinctive flavor profile influenced by natural fermentation within the bird’s digestive system. The resulting flavor reflects the characteristics of the Merauke environment and is described as unique among Indonesian coffee varieties.
Currently, Kasuari Coffee is produced in small quantities by local farmers and processors in South Papua. It is being positioned as a specialty coffee, contributing to Indonesia’s growing diversity of unique regional coffee products and reflecting efforts to promote local innovation within the national coffee sector.
https://rri.co.id/merauke/daerah/1844443/kopi-kasuari-asli-merauke-diluncurkan-pertama-di-dunia
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