In early December 2025, catastrophic floods and landslides tore through Sumatra, devastating three provinces and leaving a trail of destruction that has displaced close to 250,000 people. Triggered by the deadly combination of tropical cyclones and intense monsoon rains, the disaster has claimed over 1,000 lives across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces. More than 175,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, while entire communities remain buried under thick layers of sand and mud deposited by flash floods. In Aceh, one area received over 16 inches (40cm) of rain in a single day, leading to the complete decimation of roads, houses, farms, and bridges, infrastructure that will extensive efforts to rebuild.
The timing of this disaster was particularly devastating for coffee-growing communities. Aceh province in Northern Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s primary coffee production regions, and the floods struck during the critical December harvest period. Cherry collection and transport came to a halt as roads and bridges were destroyed, and many farmers lost not only their homes but also their farms and livelihoods. Indonesia had been on track for a strong 2025/26 season with projected production of 12.5 million bags, but market analysts have estimated the flooding could reduce the country’s coffee exports by up to 15%. For farming families in these communities, the impact extends far beyond the immediate harvest loss. Without roads, bridges, and basic infrastructure, recovery will be a long and difficult journey.
Through trusted local partners at Asman Gayo and GARMINDO in Aceh, we’re working directly to fund recovery efforts in affected communities. Join us and your contribution will go directly toward purchasing and distributing essential food supplies (eggs, bread, milk, cooking oil, etc). All help makes a tangible difference in recovery from this disaster. Together, we can help Sumatra’s coffee-growing communities rebuild stronger and more resilient than before.
Cafe Imports is not a registered charitable or tax-exempt organization. Contributions made through this effort are not eligible for tax deduction or charitable tax relief.
GARMINDO Women Coop
Asman Gayo Mill
Indonesia: IHCP Situation Report #8 on Floods, Flash Floods, and Landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces (7 January 2026)
Indonesia: Floods and Landslides – Nov 2025
https://reliefweb.int/disaster/ls-2025-000205-idn#overview
Arabica coffee futures rebounded on Friday following new weather reports from Brazil and Indonesia