Kenawat is Adena Coffee’s first origin. Formerly serving as a focal point for a separatist movement, its topography once bore witness to the fervent calls for autonomy. This village has undergone a metamorphosis and now stands as a burgeoning epicenter of coffee production.

In the early 2000s, when the conflict between the Free Aceh Movement and the Indonesian military erupted, Kenawat was one of the most affected villages. This village was considered a rebel stronghold because one of the Free Aceh Movement’s leaders was born there. During the conflict, coffee farms were abandoned. Although not directly affiliated, the stigma of being a rebel village clung to Kenawat. This stigma shackled the community in many aspects of life. Even after the peace agreement following the 2004 Aceh tsunami, the stigma remained attached to Kenawat Village and indirectly affected many aspects of Kenawat’s community life. One crucial impact was the reluctance of coffee buyers in Gayo to purchase coffee from Kenawat. This situation led the villagers to lack enthusiasm for farming and processing their coffee harvest. We began processing together with a local youth, Fahman Yoga. We embarked on a mission to cultivate quality coffee.

From a land once defined by conflict, Kenawat has emerged as a symbol of excellence, making it to the top 10 Cup of Excellence in the 2022/2023 season.

Through the cultivation of premium coffee beans, this locale not only contributes to the regional coffee industry but also symbolizes a poignant narrative of reconciliation and socio-economic revitalization. This transition underscores the village’s transition from a site of conflict to one of agricultural prosperity, thereby illuminating the multifaceted dynamics of post-conflict recovery and adaptive resilience within the context of local communities.

“​​I am happy to see the people in Kenawat are no longer confused about what they have to do, many of them are enthusiastic about managing their coffee farms because the price is now stabilized. I am pleased to see that Kenawat is no longer seen as a separatist village with a looming memory of the conflict.”

– Fahman Yoga

Sumatera’s Beloved Processing Method

Wet Hull, also known as Giling Basah (GILBAS)

Kenawat Village, located in Gayo, Aceh, a region in Sumatra Island, experiences high humidity and rainfall primarily due to its geographical location and topography.

Wet hull processing, also known as “Giling Basah,” is a unique method of coffee processing primarily practiced in Gayo, Sumatra. The relationship between wet hull processing and local weather is symbiotic. and has become a crucial aspect of the region’s coffee culture and economy.

The high humidity and rainfall during Gayo’s wet season create ideal conditions for fermenting and drying coffee beans using the wet hull method.
Conversely, the wet hull processing method itself, with its unique fermentation and drying stages, has been developed and adapted over generation by Gayo coffee farmers to suit the local weather patterns.

This traditional processing method is not only a reflection of local wisdom but also a key source of economic support for Gayo’s farmers.
Gayo coffee, with its distinct flavor profile resulting from wet hull processing, commands premium prices in the specialty coffee market.

By continuing this traditional method, farmers are able to differentiate their product and capture higher value, contributing significantly to the local economy and sustaining livelihoods for generations.

The utilisation of wet hull processing during the wet season and other processing methods during the dry season, Gayo farmers can effectively extend their harvest season and maintain a steady income throughout the year. This adaptability to the local climate and utilization of different processing methods showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Gayo’s coffee farmers in maximizing their yields and economic viability.

Together with our origin partner, Fahman Yoga, Adena Coffee has successfully obtain 9th place in the cup of excellence 2022/2023. This has became an important chapter not only for Adena but also for many farmers in Gayo as the first ever internationally acclaimed wet-hull processed beans.