Indonesia, an emerging player in global tea production, offers an impressive range of premium teas known for their remarkable quality and flavour. Though more globally recognized for its coffee, Indonesia has a long history of tea cultivation that dates back centuries.
From the misty mountains of Java to the tea fields of Sumatra, the volcanic landscapes and well-drained, fertile soils create ideal conditions for producing high-quality teas.
Indonesia’s tea plantations, located at higher altitudes, yield teas with unique mineral qualities. The peak harvest season spans from September to November, when high temperatures and minimal rainfall allow tea leaves to develop deeper flavours.
This article uncovers the secrets of Indonesian teas: their history, main growing regions, iconic teas, and intriguing curiosities you don’t want to miss.
Evolution, Culture, and History of Tea in Indonesia
Tea cultivation in Indonesia began in the 17th century when Dutch settlers introduced Camellia sinensis seeds to Java. However, large-scale commercial production took off only in the mid-19th century.
The country’s nutrient-rich volcanic soils provided ideal conditions for cultivating quality tea, and the Dutch, with their commercial expertise, capitalised on these lands to supply European markets.
Indonesian teas, typically milder than those from India or Ceylon, suited European tastes by not requiring milk to soften their flavour. This characteristic still distinguishes them today.
After gaining independence in 1945, Indonesia retained tea as a key economic sector. While it has faced challenges, the country has adapted by focusing on premium teas and sustainable practices like organic production.
While Indonesia predominantly produces teas for blending due to their neutral and consistent qualities, some premium teas, especially from Java, are also notable in high-quality harvest seasons.
The Tradition of Teh Tubruk
Teh Tubruk is a traditional Indonesian tea preparation that reflects the country’s warm and simple culture.
This method creates a bold, sweet tea with a robust body. It’s a common drink in Indonesian homes and street stalls, appreciated for its strength and simplicity.
While enjoyed across Indonesia, Teh Tubruk is particularly popular in rural areas, where people still use this traditional method to share moments with family and friends.
Tea Growing Regions and Islands
The Indonesian archipelago offers a diverse range of teas, each influenced by the unique geographical and climatic characteristics of its islands.
Here are the country’s main tea-producing islands, highlighting their unique qualities and contributions to the industry.
Java
Java is Indonesia’s most prominent tea-producing island. It is known for its temperate climate and ideal altitude for high-quality tea cultivation.
- West Java: The leading tea-producing region, with mountainous areas like Puncak and Bandung offering ideal conditions for premium teas.
West Java teas are known for their full body and slightly sweet taste, and many producers have opted for organic production to meet the demand for sustainable products.
- Central and East Java: Though less renowned, these regions also contribute significantly to tea production. Teas from here tend to be stronger and bolder, ideal for markets that prefer intense black tea.
Sumatra
The second largest Indonesian island, Sumatra, is famous for its dark, complex-flavoured teas due to its humid, rainy climate.
- Aceh and Bengkulu: Mountainous areas where frequent rains and tropical environments lend teas a unique mineral character and distinct taste experience.
Bali
Known more for tourism, Bali also hosts a few emerging tea plantations that are gaining market attention.
- Central Bali highlands: Although tea production in Bali is modest compared to other islands, it features speciality varieties with innovative techniques, capturing the interest of tea enthusiasts.
Sulawesi
Although lesser-known for tea, Sulawesi’s growing interest in artisanal varieties is putting it on the tea map.
- South and Central Sulawesi: here, Small producers experiment with innovative techniques and niche teas, offering unique flavour profiles that reflect the island’s biodiversity.
Though production is limited, interest in their organic and speciality teas is rising.
Iconic Indonesian Teas
Indonesia is known for its wide range of teas, but the most iconic varieties are black, green, and some lesser-known oolong and white teas. Here are a few examples that stand out.
Java Black Tea
One of Indonesia’s most representative teas, Java black tea is celebrated for its robust body and balanced flavour.
Cultivated mainly in the mountainous regions of Java, the temperate climate and nutrient-rich volcanic soil enhance its quality. Ideal for breakfast blends, it has a slight sweetness, making it enjoyable alone or with milk.
Java black tea is available in two forms, depending on the processing method:
- CTC Black Tea: Offers a stronger, more robust flavour, ideal for those who prefer a full-bodied tea. The infusion is quick, producing a dark drink with a malty profile and mild sweetness.
The small, uniformly dark leaves make it easy to measure and brew.
- Orthodox Black Tea. Slower to infuse, this variety features more subtle flavour nuances. It has floral and fruity notes with a hint of astringency, providing a balanced and complex tasting experience.
This tea is often compared to Ceylon teas (Sri Lanka) as both offer a similar profile in freshness and depth of flavour.
Java’s orthodox tea leaves are larger and whole, with a colour ranging from glossy black to dark brown, showcasing an attractive, natural appearance that highlights the product’s quality.
Java Green Tea
Although it accounts for only 10 to 15% of total production, Java green tea has seen a remarkable increase in popularity.
Its freshness and lightness, accompanied by delicate herbal notes and a subtle touch of astringency, make it an attractive option for consumers seeking healthier alternatives.
Estates like Chakra Dewata, located in West Java, have been key in this improvement process. Despite facing challenges such as the 2010 landslide, the estate has made significant investments in infrastructure and production, which have elevated the quality of its green teas, previously considered overly smoky.
Sumatra Black Tea
Known for its robust, deep profile with distinctive notes of nutmeg and cedar, Sumatra black tea is particularly valued in high-quality blends due to its ability to soften more intense black teas, such as those from Assam or Kenya, making it ideal for European palates.
Sumatra black tea stands out for its consistency throughout the year, as the island does not experience significant climate changes. This ensures a stable and high-quality production.
Sumatra Oolong Tea
Although less known, Sumatra oolong tea has begun to gain international recognition, especially in demanding markets like Taiwan. Handcrafted by small farmers, this tea stands out for its floral profile and delicately complex infusion.
Varieties like Tapang, with its floral aroma, and Fuso, more robust and suitable for baking processes, are a great example of the growing diversity of teas on the island.
These oolongs offer excellent value for money, providing an affordable alternative to the more expensive Taiwanese oolongs (especially Formosa oolong), with a quality that rivals the best on the market.
Jasmine White Tea (Teh Melati)
An elegant tea made with quality white tea leaves blended with dried jasmine flowers, offering a smooth aromatic profile and a delicate floral flavour with a touch of sweetness.
This white tea is common in traditional ceremonies and special celebrations and is known for its ability to revitalize and refresh on warm days.
It is often served cold in Indonesia’s more tropical regions, and its floral profile makes it ideal for pairing with light meals or enjoying as a relaxing beverage at any time of day.
Discover some of our Indonesian teas in our online store, such as this Halimun Jade Oolong BIO tea.
Conclusion
With its unique history and growing regions, Indonesia offers tea professionals an opportunity to explore high-quality teas that, while less known than those from other parts of the world, are intriguing for blending and adding a softening touch.
The diverse climate combined with an evolving tradition has created a strong foundation for tea production, particularly in the premium and organic tea market.
Exploring and promoting teas from regions like Java and Sumatra will add value to your offerings and will help foster a greater appreciation for the global diversity of tea. In a world where sustainability and quality are increasingly important, Indonesian teas have great potential to stand out and gain ground in the international market.
2 responses to “Indonesian Teas: Key Regions and Iconic Varieties”
Thank you for highlighting Indonesian teas! While black, green, and white teas currently dominate the market, we are slowly seeing the rise of Javanese and Sumatran oolongs. These oolongs mainly consist of sinensis brought from Taiwan which are then cloned with local varietals.
Hopefully everyone gets the chance to try Indonesian teas!
Hello Raihan, thank you very much for your great contribution!