Beyond coffee: ECOM stands with communities in Aceh and Sumatra

In late November 2025, severe floods and landslides affected parts of Aceh and Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, impacting several of the coffee-growing communities in which we work. Around 15% of farmers in our local network were affected, with a number of villages temporarily cut off due to damaged infrastructure. 

In response, through our Common Grounds partnership with JDE Peet’s, we delivered urgent support to the most affected areas, including in remote highland communities that are often the hardest to reach. 

To date, over 20 tonnes of food aid and medical supplies have been mobilised, including 2,000 essential food packages containing staple items such as rice, cooking oil, and canned food. This effort has been supported by approximately USD 18,000 in internal fundraising and EUR 15,000 in external contributions. 

Reaching these communities was not always straightforward. With some roads damaged and heavy rain continuing, teams transported supplies by motorbike and on foot to ensure help reached even the most isolated villages. 

This emergency response builds on longer-term work commitment: more than 2,000 farmers in Northern Sumatra have taken part in climate adaptation training focused on agroforestry and regenerative practices, helping to strengthen resilience in the region. 

We are proud to work together toward stronger livelihoods and a more sustainable future, supporting communities beyond coffee.