Field Study of Circular Economy Research Group – Solok Radjo and Lasi, West Sumatra

A group of eight university students from the Circular Economy Research Group conducted an important field study on November 2, 2025, at two major coffee-related locations in West Sumatra: the coffee industry in Solok Radjo and the Arabica coffee plantation area in Lasi.

The field study aimed to directly engage with coffee stakeholders and gather valuable insights regarding the challenges faced within the coffee sector. One of the primary focuses of the research was identifying the obstacles that prevent farmers, processors, and coffee businesses from participating in traceability programs, which are increasingly important for sustainable and transparent coffee production systems.

During the visit, the research team also observed and documented several circular economy practices already implemented by local industries and coffee farms. These practices included coffee waste utilization, sustainable water management systems, and energy efficiency initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact while improving operational sustainability.

The students interacted directly with coffee farmers and processors to better understand practical barriers such as production costs, limited technology access, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory complexities. These real-world discussions provided important perspectives that will help researchers develop more realistic and applicable solutions for broader adoption of traceability systems and circular economy models within local coffee communities.

The field study became an essential milestone within the ongoing research project, ensuring that future recommendations for circular economy implementation are practical, sustainable, and closely aligned with the actual needs and conditions of coffee stakeholders in West Sumatra.

Through this initiative, the Circular Economy Research Group continues to strengthen collaboration between academic research and local coffee industries while supporting sustainable development and innovation within Indonesia’s coffee sector.