Development of Sekarwangi Coffee as a Superior Product in Cibeureum Village, Kuningan Regency: A Study of Potential, Production Process, and Local Economic Value

Abstract

Background: Coffee is one of the plantation commodities that plays a strategic role in strengthening rural economies. Cibeureum Village, Kuningan Regency, has local coffee potential developed by the Sekarwangi Coffee MSME. However, evidence on how a village-scale coffee MSME links local raw materials, on-site processing, and community economic benefits remains limited.
Objective: This study aims to analyze the potential of Sekarwangi Coffee in terms of raw materials, production processes, and its contribution to local economic empowerment.
Method: This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach through field observations, interviews with MSME actors, and documentation studies. Key informants (the MSME owner and production workers) were selected purposively, and the data were analyzed interactively with source and technique triangulation.
Results: The results indicate that Sekarwangi Coffee utilizes raw materials from highland areas with distinctive flavor characteristics and is managed through a simple yet quality-oriented production process. The presence of Sekarwangi Coffee MSME contributes to increasing the added value of local coffee commodities, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the economic identity of Cibeureum Village. Processing comprises sorting, drying, roasting, grinding, and packaging using simple equipment, while marketing remains concentrated on local consumers.
Conclusion: Sekarwangi Coffee retains coffee value within the village by converting local beans into a ready-to-consume product. This study is expected to serve as a reference for developing local potential-based MSMEs and enhancing the competitiveness of village coffee products at the regional level. Village government and extension services should therefore prioritize processing standardization and market access.