Dharma Boutique Roastery Keeps Coffee Tradition Alive Since 1915
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| The 1915 legendary coffee factory in Semarang is now Dharma Boutique Roastery, preserving tradition and high-quality Indonesian coffee. |
The old building on Wotgandul Barat Street, Semarang, is more than just a silent witness of history. Behind its seemingly worn walls lies a century-long story of the coffee industry. This place was once home to the legendary coffee factory Koffie Branderij Margo Redjo, established in 1915.
Today, its legacy continues at Dharma Boutique Roastery, a family-run coffee business that preserves tradition while adapting to modern times.
From Bandung to Semarang: The Beginning of a Legendary Coffee Journey
The coffee factory was originally founded in Bandung during the Dutch colonial era. In 1926, the business moved to Semarang, precisely to Wotgandul Barat Street, bringing along the original coffee machines still in use today.
Hidayat Basuki Dharma Wiyono, the owner of Dharma Boutique Roastery, explained:
“Originally founded in Bandung, but in 1926, it moved to Semarang, my grandfather’s birthplace.”
Despite challenges like brand piracy, Dharma chose a new name inspired by his personal identity.
Focus on Local, High-Quality Coffee
A key commitment of Dharma Boutique Roastery is using only Indonesian coffee. From Aceh to Papua, around 50 coffee bean varieties are available.
“We don’t sell imported coffee. Everything comes from Indonesia,” he said.
This supports local farmers while proving that Indonesian coffee can rival international flavors. Today, coffee processing techniques—from wet and dry methods to fermentation with varying times—create diverse flavor profiles for each type of bean.
Tradition Meets Technology
Interestingly, the roastery still uses a 100-year-old manual roasting machine, now motorized for efficiency but preserving traditional methods.
“We still roast manually, but now it’s more science-based,” Dharma said.
He emphasized that their business prioritizes quality over low prices.
Experiencing Coffee in a Historic Building
Visiting Dharma Boutique Roastery is more than just buying coffee. The space offers a unique experience, blending historical architecture with lush outdoor seating.
Visitors can enjoy coffee in a peaceful, shaded environment while appreciating the building’s classic windows and tiled roof.
Guests can also smell coffee beans before purchasing, and baristas provide detailed explanations about origins, processing methods, and flavors.
Education as a Key Value
Dharma stresses education for both staff and visitors.
“Initially, they didn’t know much, but now our baristas are even more knowledgeable than me,” he said.
He added that the growing interest in coffee is also influenced by pop culture, like the movie Filosofi Kopi, which expanded public curiosity about coffee.
Daily, the team conducts tasting and blending to maintain product consistency.
“Coffee is art. There’s no single ‘best taste’ because everyone has different preferences,” Dharma explained.
Small-Scale Production
Currently, Dharma Boutique Roastery operates on a small scale, producing less than 100 kg daily. Though they previously exported, global economic crises halted these operations.
“We’re still small,” he said, but the limited scale helps maintain quality and consistency.
FAQ
1. Where is Dharma Boutique Roastery located?
On Wotgandul Barat Street, Semarang.
2. What makes it different from other cafes?
It combines historic architecture with traditional roasting and coffee education.
3. Do they sell imported coffee?
No, all coffee is from Indonesia.
4. How many types of coffee are available?
Around 50 varieties from across Indonesia.
5. Can visitors learn about coffee here?
Yes, baristas provide educational guidance about each coffee.
