Gayo, Mandailing Coffee Poised for Expansion in Russia amid Trade Shifts

Bambang Soesatyo, a House of Representatives member and the 15th Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), said Indonesia has a strong chance to expand exports of Gayo and Mandailing coffee to Russia, citing shifting global trade patterns and rising coffee consumption across Eurasia.

Soesatyo, who also serves as a deputy chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), said Russia has shown a growing trend in importing coffee from Asian countries in recent years, including Indonesia. Trade data in 2025 showed Indonesia’s overall coffee exports surpassed $USD1\text{billion}$, with shipments totaling hundreds of thousands of tons. Russia, he added, has begun to rank among the fastest-growing markets for Indonesian coffee outside the United States and the European Union.

“Russia is a major market of more than 140 million people, and coffee consumption keeps rising—particularly in large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg,” Soesatyo said in a statement on Thursday (Feb. 12, 2026). “Over the past two years, demand has increased significantly. This is a golden opportunity for Gayo and Mandailing coffee, known for their bold and distinctive profiles.”

He made the remarks while receiving a Russia–Indonesia delegation in Jakarta for discussions on Russia’s coffee market. Those present included Tatiana Diouba, Dmitri Situmeang, Ali Amra, Ahmad Sujai, Rifqi Aji, and Taufiq R.

Soesatyo noted that Gayo coffee from Aceh and Mandailing coffee from North Sumatra have long held internationally recognized reputations. Gayo is widely associated with a strong aroma, relatively low acidity and thick bean skin. Mandailing, meanwhile, is known for its thick skin, low acidity and pronounced earthy, herbal notes.

On the international market, both varieties occupy niche segments and often command premium prices. In several international coffee auctions, Indonesian specialty beans have reportedly fetched prices two to three times higher than standard commercial coffee.

“We already have coffee quality that the world acknowledges,” Soesatyo said. “The challenge now is ensuring consistent supply, maintaining quality standards and strengthening Indonesia’s branding in the Russian market. Russian importers want certainty—both in quality and continuity of supply. That is where the government and exporter associations must play a crucial role in supporting farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises.”

He stressed that Indonesia should maximize the momentum of trade cooperation with Eurasian countries, pointing to ongoing negotiations with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which he said could open room for more competitive tariffs for Indonesian products.

Amid global geopolitical dynamics and changing trade flows, Soesatyo said Russia is seeking new partners capable of supplying quality food and beverage commodities in a stable manner. Indonesia, he argued, is well positioned to fill the gap.

“In today’s geopolitical context, Russia is diversifying its import sources. Indonesia must be present as a trusted partner,” he said. “We need more aggressive economic diplomacy, integrated trade missions and stronger promotion of Gayo and Mandailing coffee at international exhibitions in Moscow and other major cities. We should not let this opportunity be taken by other countries such as Vietnam or Brazil.”

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