InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA - On a warm afternoon in Pangkalan Bun, the distinctive aroma of coffee wafts from a newly opened café. This café is not just a place to enjoy coffee; it serves as a space for sharing stories, experiences, and inspiration among palm oil planters. Named "Kopi Dari Hati Planter" (Coffee from the Heart of Planters), the café was born from the long journey of a planter and agronomist named Marlon Sitanggang.
Marlon is no stranger to the palm oil plantation world. With over 25 years of dedication to the industry, he has experienced the ups and downs of life in the fields. From this experience, he realized that coffee and planters are inseparable. "When the brain needs inspiration, coffee becomes the motivator," Marlon joked with InfoSAWIT on February 19, 2025, while reflecting on the meaning behind "KOPI," which often accompanies achievements or moments of reprimand from superiors.
However, beyond being just a beverage, coffee also sparks discussions. Amidst their busy schedules in the fields, planters often engage in lengthy conversations about cultivation techniques, production efficiency, and the philosophy behind their every step. These discussions frequently involve not only fellow planters but also those in the palm oil industry who may not be directly involved in fieldwork.
This is where the idea of "Kopi Dari Hati Planter" was born. "Why not create a place to facilitate all of this?" Marlon thought. A café that not only sells coffee but also serves as a meeting space for sharing knowledge.
More Than Just a Café
The name "Kopi Dari Hati Planter" is derived from a coffee franchise that collaborates with Marlon, with the addition of the word "Planter" to reflect the heartfelt expression of a planter—something that has never existed before.
This café distinguishes itself from others by not only serving distinctive Indonesian coffee but also providing information about palm oil and serving as a discussion space for the community and planters who wish to delve deeper into the industry. The menu is designed to cater to the tastes of planters while remaining appealing to the youth, especially those growing up in farming or plantation worker families.
The choice of location for this café is also intentional. Pangkalan Bun is one of the palm oil production centers in Central Kalimantan, known for having some of the largest palm oil plantations in Indonesia. Additionally, the community's lifestyle, which enjoys relaxation and discussion, makes this an ideal location. Marlon is also open to expanding this concept to other regions with strong planter communities.
More than just a coffee shop, Marlon hopes this café can become a platform for planters and the community to connect, interact, and gain the latest information about palm oil. "Kopi Dari Hati Planter" is more than just a business; it is a tangible expression of the "Jejak Sepatu Planter" (Footprints of Planters) mission to share knowledge and experiences with those who want to better understand the world of plantations.
With a cup of coffee, discussions will continue to flow. And behind every sip, there is a burning spirit to build a better future for the palm oil industry. (T2)
