Editor’s note: As we approach the beginning of the 2014 World Barista Championship, which takes place in Rimini, Italy, June 9 “12, at the SCAE’s World of Coffee event, we would like to introduce you to the National Barista Champions who all worked incredibly hard to earn a position in this preeminent coffee contest. Profiles of all 54 competitors will appear on Barista Magazine’s blog between Monday, June 2, and Monday, June 9, and can all be accessed under the category header “WBC 2014 Rimini.”
BARISTA CHAMPION OF INDONESIA
Yoshua Tanu
Common Grounds Coffee Roastery
Coach: Daryanto Witarsa
About you: I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, and studied abroad in California, USA. This will be my first time representing Indonesia in the World Barista Championships. I own a two cafes in Jakarta named Pandava Coffee and Common Grounds Coffee Roastery. I am truly excited to be able to meet top baristas from around the world!
How many years have you worked with coffee or in the coffee industry?
3 years
Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
I graduated from University of California, Davis, with a business economic degree and started my career in banking before becoming a barista.
How did you get started in coffee?
I first opened my coffee shop with my partners 3 years ago and have never stopped being inspired by coffee ever since.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
When I first brewed my own espresso 3 years ago, never stopped chasing to make a better one afterwards.
Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
My roaster and business partner, Daryanto Witarsa. He was the one who taught me about coffee and the world of coffee.
What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
I would like to see more support and growth in developing countries that have great potentials to produce high class coffee and baristas.
Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Laila Ghambari because she’s always smiling and looks friendly!
Name a barista you admire, and why:
Matt Perger, because of his composure, interaction skills, and ingenuity.
Do you have a favorite customer? If so, tell us about him or her.
Yes i do, her name is Hanna and she always pushes me to make her coffee better and better each morning.
Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
One of my favorite cafes is Four Barrel Coffee in San Francisco.
Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Panama, they produce the most excellent coffees.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to be heavily a part of a full grown specialty coffee community back in my home country, Indonesia, in hopes of creating a greater coffee education for one of the most populated countries in the world.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
My partners at Common Grounds Coffee Roastery Indonesia, my friends who have helped me prepare and advise, and finally my family for their support.
