Sumberdem Village in Malang Regency is widely known for its Robusta coffee. Yet despite the region’s reputation, local coffee farmers have long struggled to produce high-quality beans that could fetch better market prices. Limited resources, outdated processing methods, and a lack of technical know-how have hindered their progress.
Lecturer Iwan Halim Sahputra, whose expertise lies in research and development of cutting-edge technologies, saw an opportunity to help. With a background in material science and its industrial applications, Iwan believed technology could offer a tangible solution.
With support from the UK Social Action Grant by the British Council, Iwan launched a project to design and build two key innovations: a pulper machine and a solar dome dryer. These tools were created specifically to improve post-harvest processing and reduce losses caused by traditional methods.
“Before the project, they had to dry the beans just on the ground,” said Iwan. “A lot of things can affect the drying process in terms of weather, environment, insects, dust, and things like that.” Iwan explained that the old process will take around two weeks. With the new solar dome dryer, drying time has been significantly reduced, improving efficiency while maintaining bean quality.
The aim goes beyond just building machines. The initiative was designed to improve the post-harvest process, resulting in better coffee, higher prices, and greater economic opportunity for the village. In addition to boosting farmer income, the project opens up new jobs and supports the long-term growth of the community.
However, Iwan emphasised the importance of sustainability and farmer empowerment in this project. Rather than simply building the machinery to support, he ensured farmers were trained to use and maintain the machines themselves. “I think it’s important for the farmers to have the feeling of ownership of this machinery, they are proud of the machinery,” he said. “We have built the machine, but they have the knowledge and skills to maintain everything.”
A solar panel system was also installed to power the pulper machine. This renewable energy source reduces reliance on electricity, cuts operational costs, and supports environmentally friendly practices. By integrating clean energy, the project ensures a sustainable and cost-effective production process aligned with wider conservation goals.
Both machines are now fully operational. The pulper efficiently removes the outer skin of the coffee cherries in the early stages of processing, while the custom-designed drying racks in the dome dryer ensure even airflow and consistent drying, which are both key to preserving flavour and preventing spoilage.
The project also marks a step forward in inclusive agricultural development. Of the 23 members involved in the project from the farmer group, 17% are women, which shows that supporting women in agriculture fosters empowerment and strengthens community resilience.
“I think that the farmers are very thankful for this project. The pulper machine has been helpful in terms of the cost and the amount of time that they need to process the beans to peel off the skin of the coffee,” shared Iwan. And the impact doesn’t stop with coffee. “Not only that, the solar panels can generate electricity for other things, not just to process the coffee.”
This project lays a strong foundation for long-term improvements in coffee production. By equipping farmers with the tools, skills, and clean energy needed to thrive, it supports sustainable growth, strengthens livelihoods, and contributes to the resilience of the coffee industry in Malang.