Coffee: More Than Just a Beverage

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During the 2020–2021 period, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that Indonesia became the fourth largest coffee-consuming country in the world, after Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia. Total coffee consumption in Indonesia reached 300 million kilograms or approximately 5 million bags, each weighing 60 kilograms. This highlights the importance of coffee in the daily lives of Indonesians.

One of the coffee varieties widely cultivated in Indonesia is Arabica coffee, which originates from Ethiopia. Arabica coffee is one of the most popular coffee types globally and is a base ingredient in many coffee drinks. Its unique flavor and aroma make it a favorite choice among coffee enthusiasts.

Indonesia is also renowned for its robusta coffee, which is stronger and more bitter, growing in lowland areas such as South Sumatra and Lampung. Civet coffee, considered one of the most expensive coffees in the world, also comes from Indonesia. This coffee is produced from beans eaten and digested by civets (a type of wild cat) and then collected from their feces. This process imparts a unique flavor to civet coffee, making it highly sought after by coffee lovers worldwide.

Coffee has become an integral part of Indonesian culture. Coffee shops, or more commonly known as “warkop,” are popular places for socializing. In warkops, people from various backgrounds gather to drink coffee, chat, and discuss. Modern coffee shops have also rapidly developed in large cities, offering a variety of coffee types and a comfortable atmosphere for working or relaxing.

Coffee contains caffeine, one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive stimulants in the world. After consumption, coffee enters the intestines and is absorbed by the intestines, then circulated by the blood throughout the body. The effects of caffeine are felt when it reaches the nervous system. Caffeine works by inhibiting adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing drowsiness. Normally, adenosine binds to receptors in the brain, reducing neuron activity and slowing brain function, which ultimately makes us feel sleepy.

However, when we consume caffeine, caffeine molecules enter the brain and bind to adenosine receptors without activating them. This prevents adenosine from binding to its receptors, thereby reducing the calming effects and increasing neuron activity. As a result, the brain becomes more active, enhancing alertness and reducing fatigue.

Does coffee also affect people’s social lives? The answer is yes. Coffee has become an important part of various aspects of social life. For instance, many companies provide coffee breaks to their employees to enhance productivity. Additionally, coffee is often the beverage of choice in business meetings, political discussions, and brainstorming sessions.

However, it is important to remember that caffeine consumption has its limits. For adults, it is recommended not to consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to 4–5 cups of coffee. Excessive coffee consumption can lead to side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, nausea, and even headaches.