Donggala Regency in Central Sulawesi was once celebrated as Indonesia’s "king of kakao production." Its fertile volcanic soils and favorable climate allowed farmers to cultivate high-quality cacao beans that were in demand domestically and internationally. At its peak, Donggala played a pivotal role in cementing Indonesia’s position as one of the largest cocoa producers in the world.
However, this golden era began to fade as challenges emerged. In 2008, the price of cacao plummeted to IDR 14,000 per kilogram, leaving farmers disheartened and unmotivated to care for their gardens. This lack of maintenance led to declining yields, exacerbated by aging cacao trees, pests, and diseases such as black pod rot. Over time, Donggala’s dominance in the cacao industry dwindled, and its reputation as a cacao powerhouse was overshadowed by rising competition from other regions.
To address these challenges and restore the region’s glory, the Kaoka Green Foundation was established. The foundation is dedicated to revitalizing cacao production in Donggala through innovative and sustainable programs aimed at empowering farmers and improving the overall cacao ecosystem.
One of the foundation's key initiatives is the rejuvenation of cacao gardens by distributing high-yield, pest-resistant seedlings and training farmers in grafting techniques to improve the productivity of older trees. The foundation also emphasizes soil health, promoting the use of organic fertilizers and composting to enhance the fertility of plantations.
Farmer training and capacity building are at the heart of Kaoka Green’s mission. The foundation conducts workshops on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), post-harvest handling, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). These programs equip farmers with the knowledge to sustainably manage pests, improve bean quality, and access premium markets. One of the most recent initiatives, conducted in collaboration with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on January 18, 2025, was a Small-Scale Cacao Fermentation Training. This program focused on teaching farmers how to ferment cacao beans effectively using simple, scalable methods to enhance the flavor and quality of their produce, making it competitive in premium markets.
The foundation also focuses on research and innovation, recognizing that a sustainable and competitive cacao industry requires continuous improvement and adaptation to modern challenges. It actively introduces climate-smart agricultural techniques designed to help farmers mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, such as unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and soil degradation. These techniques include agroforestry systems, where cacao trees are intercropped with shade-providing plants, which not only improve soil health and biodiversity but also create a microclimate that enhances cacao yields.
Kaoka Green collaborates with leading research institutions, such as universities and agricultural development centers, to conduct studies aimed at improving bean quality and flavor profiles. This includes exploring the genetic diversity of cacao varieties to identify and propagate those with superior traits, such as disease resistance, higher productivity, and exceptional flavor characteristics. Advanced fermentation techniques are also being developed, leveraging microbiome research to fine-tune fermentation conditions that enhance the complex flavor notes prized by premium chocolate makers.
Additionally, the foundation invests in introducing farmers to emerging technologies, such as digital tools for monitoring soil health, tracking weather patterns, and managing pests more effectively. By staying at the forefront of agricultural innovation, Kaoka Green ensures that farmers are equipped with the knowledge and resources to meet the growing demands of international buyers while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of their farms. Through these efforts, the foundation not only improves the quality of the cacao beans but also positions Donggala’s cacao industry to compete on a global scale.
Market access and financial support are critical components of the revitalization effort. Kaoka Green facilitates connections between farmers and international buyers, allowing farmers to bypass intermediaries and sell their cacao directly to premium markets. By establishing this direct link, farmers not only receive fair prices but also gain access to insights into international quality standards, enabling them to tailor their production to meet global demands. This approach fosters transparency and ensures that the profits from high-quality cacao flow directly to the farmers, improving their livelihoods.
To foster community engagement, Kaoka Green has launched initiatives like “Women in Cacao,” which encourages women to participate in cacao production and value-added processing, as well as programs that inspire youth to embrace cacao farming using modern technologies and entrepreneurial approaches.
To motivate farmers and foster community pride, the foundation organizes annual cacao festivals celebrating Donggala’s rich cacao heritage. Success stories of thriving farmers are shared to inspire others, and incentive programs reward those who adopt sustainable practices and achieve high-quality production.
With these comprehensive initiatives, Kaoka Green aims to restore Donggala’s reputation as a leader in Indonesia’s cacao industry. The region’s natural advantages, coupled with modern agricultural practices, community-driven efforts, and direct connections to international buyers, make it possible for Donggala to reclaim its position as a powerhouse of cacao production. While the challenges are significant, the resilience and determination of its farmers, supported by organizations like Kaoka Green, promise a bright future for Donggala’s cacao industry.
Created : Nur Akbar Arofatullah
