Come to the Banda Aceh Colossal Coffee Experience (BACCE) 2026 in Blang Padang!
Illiza: Coffee is not just a drink, but a culture and economic driver.
Banda Aceh – For coffee lovers, now is the perfect time to visit Banda Aceh. In the heart of Aceh's provincial capital, at Blang Padang Field, the Banda Aceh Colossal Coffee Experience (BACCE) 2026 is underway.
For three days, September 18-20, 2026, coffee entrepreneurs, baristas, artists, communities, and thousands of people gathered to celebrate the "coffee party" - confirming Aceh's status as one of the world's coffee industry centers.
The opening of BACCE 2026 was marked by the action of manually grinding Arabica coffee beans by the Mayor of Banda Aceh Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal together with the Acting Deputy for Development and Event Organizers of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism Hafiz Agung Rifa'i, Deputy Assistant for Regional Events Reza Fahlevi, and elements of the regional leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda), Friday, September 18, 2026 evening on the main stage.
In her remarks, Illiza emphasized that BACCE is not just a festival, but a celebration of the identity of the people of Banda Aceh. "Tonight we are not just opening a festival. Tonight we are celebrating something very close to the lives of the Acehnese: coffee," she said.
"In Banda Aceh, coffee is more than just a drink. It's a culture, a meeting place, a forum for discussion, and an economic driver," he added.
According to Illiza, Banda Aceh's nickname as the City of a Thousand Coffee Shops is not just a slogan, but a reflection of the social life of the community, a place where ideas and business opportunities are born.
Illiza also expressed her appreciation to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism for its support, which enabled BACCE 2026 and the Aceh Ramadhan Festival to be included in the official Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026 calendar. Previously, the Aceh Culinary Festival had consistently been in the top 10 of KEN.
"This recognition is both a mandate and a challenge. We must prove that every dollar and effort in this program truly has a direct impact on community well-being, boosting purchasing power, and strengthening the promotion of regional potential internationally," he said.
He also stated that over the next three days, Blang Padang will be a platform for tradition and innovation to meet. "Aceh's signature filtered coffee will be paired with modern technology, creative industry creations, performing arts, local fashion, and culinary specialties."
"We want BACCE's impact to last beyond the closing of the event. In the hands of coffee brewers, coffee shop owners, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), our cups of coffee convey not only flavor but also stories of civilization and hopes for the future of our region," said Illiza, who that night wore a Gayo-motif dress—the center of Aceh's coffee production.
Meanwhile, the Acting Deputy for Development and Event Organizers of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, Hafiz Agung Rifa'i, expressed his congratulations and appreciation to the Banda Aceh City Government through its tourism office and all parties who consistently develop the tourism sector through culture-based events, including the coffee tradition.
"This year, for the first time, BACCE was selected for the 110 Karisma Event Nusantara 2026. BACCE is not just a cultural celebration attraction, this event is a real manifestation of synergy and collaboration between culture, tourism, the creative economy, MSMEs, and the shared spirit of all Banda Aceh residents," he said.
He stated that Acehnese coffee not only has high economic value but also serves as an inclusive public space and a focal point for authentic social interaction in the digital world. "Through this event, let's work together to preserve, protect, and develop our coffee culture so that it becomes better known not only nationally but also internationally."
"And no less important, we need to provide creative space for the community to continue working and foster a sense of pride in Aceh's coffee culture," he said.
In line with the Ministry of Tourism's policy direction through the Event by Indonesia program, the ministry continues to encourage the strengthening of events based on local intellectual and cultural wealth.
"We are making these efforts to be able to compete globally and encourage improvements in tourist quality, length of stay, and spending," said Hafiz, who also presented the 2026 KEN Charter to Mayor Illiza at the opening ceremony. (*)