THE EDITOR – Held regularly since 2014, the Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu (Drink Ten Thousand Coffee) Festival has become an event that tourists look forward to. Thousands of people always flock to the celebration of the coffee tradition of the Osing Banyuwangi tribe.
Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu is regularly held in Kemiren Traditional Village, Glagah District, Banyuwangi. The villagers, who are mostly of the Osing Banyuwangi tribe, have a tradition of Ngopai (_ngopi_ -drinking coffee). Coffee is practically a mandatory treat for guests when visiting the homes of Kemiren residents.
As in previous years, the Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu Festival was held along the main street of Kemiren Village on Wednesday evening (6/11/2024).
Rows of houses in the traditional village were transformed into impromptu coffee shops. On the terraces of houses converted into _lesehan_ areas and tables, residents serve coffee in cups that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Visitors were welcomed with a wide selection of coffee, ranging from arabica and robusta to house blend. Not only coffee, various traditional snacks also accompanied this moment of togetherness.
The atmosphere presented by the festival made this coffee festival a place to hang out with old friends.
Working in Palangkaraya, Putra Pengayoman said he and an old friend were invited by Kemiren native Suroso, who used to be his foster parent during school.
“I’m always happy to come back to the Ngopi Festival. Alhamdulillah, we deliberately made a gathering with school friends and visited Mr. Osok’s house. We chatted and talked a lot while reminiscing about the past,” said Ayom.
Suroso, who is famously called Osok, said the culture of the Osing people is to honor guests. He considers anyone who comes to visit him as his own family.
“I still have their numbers and I’m happy to be able to chat again with them. I hope all of them will be successful,” he said.
Two visitors from Germany, Malte and Kathi, felt the same way. They met in Indonesia after not seeing each other for several years.
“Stopping by Banyuwangi with old friends and this coffee event reminded me of the same tradition in Germany. We drink together with friends like family. Also, this coffee is very good,” said Malte.
Acting Regent of Banyuwangi Sugirah said the tradition, which is part of the Banyuwangi Festival, is more than just an event to drink coffee together, but a place to showcase the noble values of the Osing people.
“Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu is a cultural performance that illustrates the hospitality and generosity of the Osing people, while strengthening the sense of brotherhood between residents,” Sugirah said.
Meanwhile, Kemiren Village Head Muhamad Arifin said Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu was held in conjunction with the Kemiren Village Anniversary celebration on 5 November.
“We deliberately invite all Banyuwangi people and tourists to come to the Kemiren Village celebration to feel the warmth and brotherhood in every sip of coffee,” explained Arifin.
