Kawisari coffee plantation is located at an altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level, while the plantation Sengon underneath (with coffee branded under Kawisari coffee as well), at approximately 600-800 metres, stretching over Wlingi district, Blitar, East Java. Both plantations are flanked by Gunung Kelud and Gunung Kawi.

In both plantations, the finest coffee seeds were planted, handpicked, and roasted using authentic, traditional methods. The Plantations produce the finest Arabica and Robusta coffee types bred during the Dutch colonial times, as well as the top gourmet civet cat coffee, Kopi Luwak. The flavour of these Java coffees known as WIH type is unique and distinctive, with a beautifully balanced acidity and a body that carries the weight of history and age of this majestic plantation and its soil. The past eruptions of Mt Kelud have contributed as well to the beautiful character of the artisan coffee beans produced on this plantation.

The plantation is maintained by the local villagers of the surrounding villages that are steeped with hundreds of years old traditions and spirituality. The local villages strongly believe that the plantation is a special place eternally protected by the Gods and that once upon a time, this was the location of the Lembu Suro and Maheso Suro kingdoms. The plantation has also been believed to be the last stop of the kings and princes before reaching the meditation place of the sacred Mount Kawi, where they must cleanse themselves from worldly sins before facing their Gods.

History of Kawisari

In 1830, the Dutch government imposed a new Cultivation system under the command of Governor-General van den Bosch in 1830 -1835. At this moment, The Dutch demanded 20% of the people’s land to be planted with export commodities (coffee, sugar and pepper), replacing the traditional crops, such as rice, cassava and corn. While people who owned no land had to become forced labour in the fields that belonged to the government for 66 days a year.

However, the local officials in the region illegally forced the farmers who owned land to plant the whole plantation for export commodity and the crop had to be sold to the Dutch government at low prices through the Regents. Though rules have been followed by the local farmers, they still had to pay 40% tax instead of tax-free as promised by the Dutch Government. Even worse, the corrupt local officials robbed the farmers by stealing their crops and selling them themselves to the Dutch Government, making people suffer from not having enough crops for their daily needs.

During 1835 – 1870, Javanese people were very much suffering from the Cultivation system. Lots of them died of hunger because most of their crops were taken by officials of Regents and the Dutch Government – leaving them with no profit or food. This resulted between 1843 and 1848, more than two hundred thousand people passed away in the Java district due to the Cultivation system. In the same period, in other regions, a population of eighty-nine thousand were cut down to only nine thousand.

In the 1860s, Edward Douwes Dekker (former Assistant Resident of Lebak in 1856) under the pseudonym – Multatuli (meaning: I am very much suffering), authored a book entitled Max Havelaar that tells about the oppression of Javanese poor people by the Regents. At the same time in the Netherlands, the Dutch parliaments were mostly controlled by middle-class members who were more concerned with human rights issues. The inhumane system triggered the Dutch parliament to eradicate the Cultivation system and replace it with more civilized laws.

In 1870, the Cultivation system was officially stopped but the system still could be found in some areas despite the official ban. Luckily, the system totally ended in 1917.

In 1870, Agrarische Wet (Agrarian Law) which allowed the establishment of private plantations was launched. Private sectors were allowed to lease land owned by the Dutch government with leasehold status for 75 years. This system is called Erfpacht. Subsequently, the government may also rent lands from people for 20 years. This prompted the Kawisari Great Estates to officially establish a legal entity in 1870.

At the end of the day, Kawisari Coffee Plantation emerges not merely as a historical relic but as a dynamic and evolving heritage, inviting everyone to partake in its timeless allure. It becomes evident that Kawisari is a living legacy that transcends generations. With its roots deeply intertwined with history, this is a heritage poised to be savoured and celebrated by generations yet to come, ensuring that the spirit of Kawisari continues to captivate and inspire.