Indonesian coffee promotion in Doha

Indonesia’s ministry of education, culture, research and technology, in collaboration with the Indonesian embassy in Doha, organised a coffee-tasting event titled “Kopi Experience – Eastern Indonesia” at Cafe 999 at the Fire Station: Artist in Residence.
The event is part of the “Growing Kopi, Drinking Qahwa: Stories of Coffee in Qatar and Indonesia” exhibition held at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) in conjunction with the Qatar-Indonesia Cultural Year 2023.
Renowned barista from Indonesia, Evani Jesslyn, brewed high-quality beans from Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara and Papua for the attendees who learned the culture of cultivating and serving coffee in these regions, which differ in certain aspects from other locations in Indonesia.
Three skilled artisans in traditional ikat (tying or binding) weaving from East Sumba, led by Kornelis Ndapakamang, demonstrated the intricate process of crafting multi-coloured fabrics.
Renowned as one of Indonesia’s intangible cultural legacies, ikat weaving features distinctive symbolic meanings within its patterns and is intensely connected to daily life and our natural environment.
Indonesian director-general of culture Hilmar Farid stated that the purpose was to highlight coffee and ikat weaving and promote the culture of Indonesia’s Eastern regions, which are not widely known enough to the public in Qatar and the Middle East.
He said the event also aimed to provide the audience a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Indonesia’s diverse culture.
Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan said that the coffee rituals in Indonesia go far beyond the simple act of drinking coffee.
“The preparation and consumption of coffee involve complex processes and rituals, accompanied by the act of socialising, warm hospitality, sharing stories, and building connections with loved ones and friends,” he said.