Jakarta, Indonesia – 23 October 2023. The Indonesia Coffee Summit (ICS) 2023 at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) marked a new milestone in Indonesia’s coffee culture with the debut of the “Tubruk Battle” — the first competition to apply a formal scoring system to kopi tubruk. By introducing structured evaluation, ICS transformed a centuries-old brewing ritual into a discipline recognized alongside modern coffee practices.

For generations, kopi tubruk has symbolized simplicity and togetherness across Indonesia. Brewed by directly mixing ground coffee with hot water, it is a staple in households, warungs, and social gatherings. The method also mirrors global cupping standards, positioning tubruk as both a cultural icon and a bridge to professional quality evaluation.

Tradition meets competition

By presenting tubruk on a competitive stage, ICS sought to affirm its heritage while engaging younger audiences who are increasingly drawn to specialty coffee. The two-day competition began with a Round of 16 and progressed through quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final match.

To ensure fairness, organizers standardized beans and water, focusing purely on skill and consistency. Kapal Api beans were featured in the opening round, followed by Excelso beans in the Elite Eight onward, showcasing leading Indonesian coffee brands in the process.

A key innovation was the use of a score-sheet system. Moving beyond casual taste comparisons, judges applied structured criteria, ensuring transparency and fairness while preserving the essence of tubruk’s simplicity. Updates from the floor revealed baristas refining their techniques as they advanced, with the finals spotlighting the craft required to perfect such a seemingly simple brew.

A broader summit experience

ICS 2023, a three-day program initiated by KopiKita.id with support from AEKI, AKSI/SCAI, and PMO Kopi Nusantara, was proudly sponsored by KAPPI Global. As an independent, non-profit foundation focused on education, capacity building, and standard compliance, KAPPI’s support for the Tubruk Battle reflected its mission to build a sustainable and empowered coffee community.

Beyond the Tubruk Battle, ICS offered a diverse agenda of eighteen programs blending business, culture, and creativity. Highlights included the Indonesia Coffee Heroes Award, book launches, and the Traditional Coffee Pairing Competition, where baristas paired tubruk with regional snacks while sharing cultural stories. The summit also featured artistic collaborations across music, film, poetry, and visual arts, reinforcing coffee’s role as both an economic driver and cultural connector.

Organizers projected attendance of around 5,000 visitors, with activities designed to be accessible to both coffee professionals and the public.

Honoring heritage, embracing innovation

By introducing tubruk into a formal competition, ICS 2023 positioned Indonesia’s most traditional brewing style as both a marker of heritage and a platform for innovation. The event demonstrated how an everyday practice can gain renewed relevance when framed through education, performance, and storytelling.

With the support of KAPPI Global, the summit underscored that Indonesia’s coffee future depends on both honoring tradition and equipping its people for global readiness.