Indonesian Java
Frinsa Collective
Katelinne H.
Friday, November 22, 2024
— Updated February 12, 2025
Frinsa Collective: The Future of Indonesian Coffee
In the highlands of West Java, Indonesia, a remarkable operation is redefining the region's coffee scene. The Frinsa Collective, centered around the family owned Frinsa Estate, is pushing the boundaries of coffee processing and sustainability while delivering some of the finest specialty coffees available today.Â
Grower: Frinsa Collective
Region: West Java, Indonesia
Cultivar: Andungasari, Bor Bor, Katrina, Ateng
Altitude: 1400 - 1700 masl
Process: Washed
Drying: Dried on patios for 7-10 days
Roast Level: Medium
Roast Body: Mild
Cupping Notes: Nut Toffee, Cherry Jam, Cream
A Family's Vision of Sustainabililty
Founded in 2012, the Frinsa Collective was born of a family's concern over environmental challenges like landslides and floods, primarily caused by poor agricultural practices. They sought a crop that would be beneficial for the environment, but would also produce high yields and provide local farmers with improved livelihoods. Coffee was the standout solution.Â
At the helm of this operation is Wildan Mustofa, an expert in soil science and horticulture. His wife, Atieq Mustikaningtyas, oversees human resources and finance. Their eldest son, Fikri joined the collective in 2019 and took over post-harvest processing. Together they've developed a thriving ecosystem of partner farms, all dedicated to high-quality, sustainable coffee production, living up their mission statement:Â
"Best Coffee from Best Practices"
The Unique Coffee of Frinsa Collective
Frinsa Estate spans 300 acres in the Bandung highlands, cultivating 14 local coffee cultivars at elevations of 1,400–1,700 meters above sea level . Beyond the estate, the Java Frinsa Collective includes a network of outgrower farms that supply their beans to Frinsa for processing and sale. Frinsa supports these farmers by providing the knowledge and tools needed to increase yields and improve profitability, ensuring a thriving, sustainable coffee-growing community.
The estate is fully equipped with everything they need to process their prized coffee cherries including:Â
- A wet mill for processing
- Ventilated storage to maintain quality
- A dry mill for final preparation
Unlike traditional Java coffee farms, Frinsa Collective actively experiments with other processing techniques. Innovative fermentation techniques only broaden the versatile flavor profiles of the estates' beans. During the fermentation process, yeasts and bacteria break down sugars and mucilage layers, contributing significantly to the coffee's final flavor profile. Here's a brief look at the fermentation processes that Frinsa utilizes: Â
Blue Process: a washed process where the coffee cherries are de-pulped and submerged in water, initiating germination within the bean. This leads to a slight blue-green color development due to increased oxidative processess inside the bean.Â
Anaerobic Lactic Fermentation: a process where cherries are sealed in an airtight container, in an environment where lactic acid bacteria can grow, via a metabolic process that breaks down sugars. This process results in a creamier mouthful and flavor notes that are similar to yogurt.Â
Saccharic Fermentation: a process where coffee cherries are cultured with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This breaks down cherries into acids and alcohol - resulting in a unique fruity and floral flavor profile.Â
Beyond these innovations, Frinsa also produces Washed, Wet-Hulled, Honey, and Natural process coffees, allowing them to develop a wide range of flavor profiles.
Taste The Frinsa Difference
The Frinsa Collective isn't just about great coffee - it's about responsible farming. What is now a well-respected coffee producing outfit, began as a mission to improve the environmental and societal well-being of West Java. Their mission today includes organic agriculture, eco-friendly education, and developing a sustainable supply chain.Â
The producers behind Fresh Roasted Coffee's Roaster's Choice selection for March '25 is proof that Indonesian coffee is evolving, embracing both tradition and innovation. Whether you're a specialty coffee enthusiast or a casual drinker, the nutty toffee-like flavors and jammy cherry notes of this particular selection will make for an unforgettable cup.Â
How Do I Get This Coffee?
Fresh Roasted Coffee’s Roaster’s Choice program is your gateway to discovering the world’s finest coffees. Indonesian Java - Frinsa Collective Washed is a welcome addition to these ranks. This coffee embodies everything that makes Indonesian coffee exceptional. This month’s Roaster’s Choice selection offers a medium roast with a mild body , featuring notes of nut toffee, cherry jam, and cream —a smooth, vibrant cup that showcases the best of West Java.Â
