Mikael Jasin's Mindful Journey to the World Barista Championship Crown: A Triumph for Indonesian Coffee

In the world of specialty coffee, the World Barista Championship (WBC) stands as the ultimate test of skill, creativity, and passion. This prestigious annual event brings together the most talented baristas from around the globe, each vying for the coveted title of World Barista Champion. To win, a competitor must not only possess an unwavering commitment to their craft but also demonstrate exceptional mastery in preparing and presenting coffee beverages that push the boundaries of innovation and flavor.

 2024 World Barista Champion Mikael Jasin of Indonesia. All images courtesy of the Specialty Coffee Association.

In 2024, the coffee world witnessed a remarkable triumph as Mikael Jasin, representing Indonesia, ascended to the top of the podium, claiming the World Barista Championship crown. Jasin's victory was not merely a personal achievement; it was a testament to the incredible potential of Indonesian coffee and the dedication of the country's coffee professionals.

The Rise of a Coffee Champion

Mikael Jasin's journey to becoming the 2024 World Barista Champion was one of perseverance, growth, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Born and raised in Indonesia, a country renowned for its vibrant coffee culture and diverse range of coffee varieties, Jasin's passion for coffee was ignited during his time working in Melbourne's thriving cafe scene.

Melbourne, with its fast-paced environment and widespread appreciation for specialty coffee, provided Jasin with the perfect backdrop to hone his skills and develop his unique approach to coffee preparation. He quickly gained recognition for his innovative creations and dedication to customer service, earning him a loyal following among coffee enthusiasts.

Jasin's rise to prominence in the Indonesian coffee community began with his decision to compete in the Indonesian Barista Championship. In 2018 and 2019, he placed second in the national competitions, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential. Undeterred by these near misses, Jasin redoubled his efforts, refining his techniques and experimenting with new flavor combinations.

His hard work and determination paid off in 2020 when he clinched the Indonesian Barista Championship title, earning him a spot on the world stage. Jasin's impressive performance at the 2019 World Barista Championship in Boston, where he finished in fourth place, only served to fuel his passion and set the stage for his triumphant return in 2024.

The seven 2024 World Barista Championship finalists.

A Mindful Approach to Coffee Excellence

At the 2024 World Barista Championship, Mikael Jasin captivated the judges and audience with a performance that showcased not only his technical mastery but also his deeply personal and mindful approach to coffee preparation.

Throughout his routine, Jasin emphasized the importance of harmonizing the mind, body, and soul, creating a sensory journey that transcended the boundaries of traditional coffee service. He carefully crafted each of his beverages to evoke specific emotions and memories, inviting the judges and audience to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

For his milk course, Jasin presented a unique blend of three different kinds of milk – 60% dairy for a sweet base, 20% cashew milk for a peit liquor flavor, and 20% oat milk for a savory marzipan note. The result was a delightful peach liquor and cantaloupe-flavored beverage with a coating mouthfeel and a lingering chocolate truffle aftertaste. This innovative combination of flavors and textures showcased Jasin's ability to push the boundaries of what is possible with milk-based coffee beverages.

 2024 World Barista Champion Mikael Jasin of Indonesia. All images courtesy of the Specialty Coffee Association.

In his signature beverage course, Jasin demonstrated his mastery of ingredient selection and flavor elevation. Using a Colombian coffee called AI as his base, he created a fruity foundation, which he then enhanced with clarified milk, lemon juice, and a palos santo syrup. The addition of caca nibs from Indonesia introduced a pleasant bitterness, grounding the drink and providing a counterpoint to the sweeter elements. The final product boasted complex flavors of honeydew, watermelon, sage, and black forest, with a silky mouthfeel and a lingering finish that left the judges and audience craving more.

For his espresso course, Jasin chose a washed Panamanian Geisha, a highly prized coffee varietal known for its delicate floral notes and exceptional clarity. By processing the coffee with minimal intervention, Jasin allowed the true soul of the Geisha to shine through, presenting a cup that featured jasmine, orange blossom, navel orange, and honey notes. The espresso's low weight, silky and juicy texture, and lingering golden raisin finish served as a testament to Jasin's skill in extracting the very best from his chosen coffee.

The Importance of Mindfulness in Coffee Preparation

Throughout his winning performance, Mikael Jasin emphasized the importance of mindfulness in coffee preparation. He encouraged the judges and audience to fully engage their senses, taking the time to appreciate the aroma, texture, and flavor of each beverage.

Jasin's approach to mindfulness extended beyond the sensory experience of the coffee itself. He encouraged his audience to take a moment to clear their minds, to find a peaceful place within themselves, and to approach the coffee experience with a sense of openness and receptivity.

This emphasis on mindfulness resonated deeply with the judges and audience, showcasing Jasin's ability to create a meaningful connection through his coffee creations. By inviting his audience to be fully present in the moment, Jasin elevated the act of coffee consumption from a simple transaction to a deeply personal and transformative experience.

The Impact on the Indonesian Coffee Industry

Mikael Jasin's victory at the 2024 World Barista Championship represents a significant milestone for the Indonesian coffee industry. As the first Indonesian barista to claim the WBC title, Jasin has brought global attention to the incredible potential of Indonesian coffee and the skill and dedication of the country's coffee professionals.

Indonesia has long been recognized as a major player in the global coffee trade, with a rich history of coffee cultivation dating back to the early 18th century. The country's diverse geography and climate provide ideal conditions for growing a wide range of coffee varieties, from the bold and earthy Sumatran coffees to the smooth and complex Javan varietals.

Despite this rich coffee heritage, Indonesian coffee has often been overshadowed by the specialty coffee offerings from other renowned coffee-producing nations. Jasin's victory serves as a powerful reminder of the exceptional quality and unique character of Indonesian coffee, inspiring a new generation of coffee professionals to explore and celebrate the country's coffee traditions.

Beyond his personal achievement, Mikael Jasin has also made significant contributions to the development of the Indonesian coffee industry through his work with So So Good Coffee Company. Founded by Jasin and his partners, So So Good Coffee Company is dedicated to improving the standards of Indonesian coffee from both the cafe and farm perspectives.

By providing training for baristas, consulting services for aspiring cafe owners, and partnering with farmers to improve post-harvest processing, Jasin and his team are working to elevate the quality and consistency of Indonesian coffee at every stage of the supply chain. This holistic approach to coffee development ensures that the benefits of Jasin's success are felt throughout the Indonesian coffee community, from the farmers who grow the coffee to the baristas who prepare it and the customers who enjoy it.

The Future of Indonesian Coffee

As the 2024 World Barista Champion, Mikael Jasin has set a new standard for excellence in the Indonesian coffee industry. His victory has inspired a renewed sense of pride and purpose among Indonesian coffee professionals, who are now more determined than ever to showcase the incredible potential of their country's coffee on the global stage.

Looking to the future, the Indonesian coffee industry is poised for significant growth and innovation. With the support of visionary leaders like Mikael Jasin, Indonesian coffee professionals are embracing new technologies, experimenting with innovative processing methods, and exploring the unique flavor profiles of the country's diverse coffee varieties.

As more Indonesian cafes and roasters gain international recognition for their exceptional coffee offerings, the demand for high-quality Indonesian coffee is likely to increase. This growing demand presents a significant opportunity for Indonesian coffee farmers, who will be able to command higher prices for their crops and invest in the sustainable development of their communities.

At the same time, the success of Indonesian coffee on the global stage is likely to attract more young people to the coffee industry, ensuring a bright future for Indonesian coffee. With a new generation of passionate and skilled coffee professionals, Indonesia is well-positioned to become a leading force in the specialty coffee world.

The Role of Prosumer Coffee Equipment

As the Indonesian coffee industry continues to grow and evolve, the importance of high-quality prosumer coffee equipment cannot be overstated. Prosumer coffee equipment, which bridges the gap between professional-grade and consumer-level machines, empowers coffee enthusiasts to prepare exceptional coffee beverages in the comfort of their own homes.

For Indonesian coffee lovers, investing in prosumer coffee equipment is an opportunity to explore the incredible diversity and complexity of Indonesian coffee. With the right equipment, coffee enthusiasts can experiment with different brewing methods, fine-tune their extraction parameters, and unlock the full potential of their favorite Indonesian coffee beans.

Moreover, the growing demand for prosumer coffee equipment in Indonesia is likely to drive innovation and competition among equipment manufacturers. As more companies enter the market, Indonesian coffee enthusiasts can expect to see a wider range of high-quality, affordable options, making it easier than ever to enjoy professional-grade coffee at home.

In many ways, the rise of prosumer coffee equipment in Indonesia mirrors the growth and development of the country's specialty coffee industry. Just as Mikael Jasin's victory at the World Barista Championship has inspired a new generation of Indonesian coffee professionals, the availability of high-quality prosumer equipment is empowering Indonesian coffee enthusiasts to take their passion to the next level.

Conclusion

Mikael Jasin's triumph at the 2024 World Barista Championship represents a watershed moment for the Indonesian coffee industry. Through his exceptional skill, creativity, and mindful approach to coffee preparation, Jasin has showcased the incredible potential of Indonesian coffee on the global stage.

As the Indonesian coffee industry continues to grow and evolve, driven by the passion and dedication of professionals like Mikael Jasin, coffee enthusiasts around the world can look forward to experiencing the unique flavors and characters of Indonesian coffee like never before.

Whether enjoyed in a specialty cafe or prepared at home using high-quality prosumer equipment, Indonesian coffee is poised to take its place among the world's most celebrated and sought-after coffee offerings. With visionary leaders like Mikael Jasin at the helm, the future of Indonesian coffee is brighter than ever.