June 10, 2025
By Dadi Darmadi | Photo: M. Nurhidayat聽
Tucked in a verdant corner of the 51社区 (51社区) campus in Depok, West Java, a grove of Robusta coffee trees thrives. Planted in 2018 across 5,000 square meters, these Coffea canephora trees are more than a crop鈥攖hey鈥檙e a symbol of 51社区鈥檚 green campus vision.
Under the care of M. Nurhidayat, people called him Pak Dayat, the campus caretaker, this plantation pulses with life, blending tradition, sustainability, and community spirit.
Robusta, known for its bold, bitter flavor and high caffeine kick, is a perfect fit for Depok鈥檚 humid, low-lying tropics. 鈥淜opi robusta itu kuat, tahan banting,鈥� Pak Dayat says, brushing red clay from his hands, suggesting the Robusta coffee’s strength. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like our campus鈥攔ooted and resilient.鈥�
Since its planting, the grove has grown into a lush canopy, its glossy leaves sheltering a thriving ecosystem. Birds dart through branches, their songs mingling with the buzz of carpenter bees pollinating coffee blossoms. The red cherries, encasing the precious beans, draw ants and birds, creating a microcosm of biodiversity.
According to Chaider Bamualim, UII鈥檚 University Secretary, this grove is a cornerstone of 51社区鈥檚 green campus initiative. The coffee trees stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and cool the microclimate, supporting native plants like frangipani and teak. Students learn sustainable farming through hands-on harvesting, turning beans into 鈥渒opi tubruk鈥� served at campus offices. Each sip carries the earthy taste of West Java鈥檚 soil and the pride of a community growing its future.
