HARIANEXPRESS – The Osing Kemiren Traditional Village in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, comes alive after dusk as people gather for its annual Festival Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu, which translates to ‘drinking 10 thousand coffee cups.’ This vibrant event brings together thousands of local and foreign tourists with Kemiren villagers in the Glagah district.
The festival serves as a unique platform to promote cultural tourism and celebrate the village’s rich heritage, drawing visitors eager to experience traditional Osing hospitality and coffee culture.
Experiencing the Festival Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu
During the festival, rows of houses in Kemiren village transform into impromptu coffee shops, with their terraces converted into comfortable sitting areas. These spaces are adorned with classic tables and chairs, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.
Visitors are served coffee in ancient cups, many of which have been passed down through generations, adding a touch of historical authenticity to the experience. Guests can sample a variety of coffees, including Arabica, Robusta, and house blends expertly prepared by the local residents.
As tourists enjoy their coffee, the air fills with the melodies of Banyuwangi songs, accompanied by traditional gamelan musical instruments. This combination of sights, sounds, and flavors contributes to the comfortable and immersive atmosphere of the festival.
The Osing Kemiren Traditional Village is known as the cultural center of the Osing Tribe, who are the native people of Banyuwangi. The arts and cultural attractions showcased during the festival are a major draw, supported by the Banyuwangi regency government.
A Glimpse into Osing Culture and Hospitality
The residents of Kemiren village celebrate their village’s anniversary each year by presenting a range of Osing arts and cultural attractions. The traditional coffee-drinking event has been a routine fixture since 2014, becoming a highly anticipated agenda for tourists.
For the villagers, most of whom belong to the Osing Tribe, coffee drinking is a deeply ingrained tradition. It is considered a mandatory treat for any guest visiting their homes, symbolizing their inherent hospitality.
“The culture of the Osing community is to honor guests. The residents of the Kemiren Traditional Village treat anyone who comes to visit as their own family,” the source stated, highlighting the community’s generous spirit.
The coffee festival is not merely an event for communal coffee drinking; it also serves as a space to showcase the noble values of the Osing Tribe. It embodies the friendliness and generosity of the Osing community, while simultaneously strengthening the sense of brotherhood among residents.
Beyond coffee, villagers also offer traditional snacks, further enhancing the moments of togetherness shared during the festival. For local Banyuwangi residents, the event is also an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and school acquaintances.
Attracting Tourists and Empowering the Community
The Festival Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu proves to be an effective method for promoting cultural tourism in a creative, educational, and interactive manner. This approach successfully attracts both local and foreign tourists to the region.
Moh Edi Saputro, Head of the Tourism Awareness Group of the Osing Kemiren Traditional Village, noted that local tourists arrived from various regions. These areas included Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and neighboring districts.
Additionally, dozens of foreign tourists, predominantly from Europe, participated in this year’s festival. These international visitors made time to come to Kemiren village, often combining their visit with explorations of other tourist attractions across Banyuwangi.
The local government, through the Kemiren village administration, actively promotes cultural tourism by organizing annual cultural activities. These include traditional dance performances, traditional cuisine showcases, and cultural festivals.
Recognition and Sustainable Tourism Efforts
The Osing Kemiren Traditional Village boasts natural beauty, charming arts, and a culture meticulously preserved across generations. Its commitment to sustainable tourism has earned significant recognition.
In 2021, the village received certification as a Sustainable Tourism Village from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. More recently, the Osing Kemiren Traditional Tourism Village secured 2nd place in the Institutional and Human Resources (HR) category at the 2024 Indonesian Tourism Village Award, also held by the Ministry of Tourism.
This award acknowledges the village’s success in strengthening its human resource empowerment ecosystem. Such efforts have demonstrably increased employment opportunities and improved the economy for its residents.
Beyond the festival, tourists visiting Kemiren village can explore a variety of educational, culinary, and cultural attractions. Popular spots include the Kampung Osing market, the Pesantogan Kemangi food stalls, and the traditional Osing house area.
The village administration also provides tourism management training to homestay owners and other tourism business actors. This initiative helps ensure their businesses grow and remain sustainable.
On its 167th anniversary this year, the Osing Kemiren villagers utilized the festival to both preserve their culture and boost the local economy. By continuously introducing village traditions, the community hopes to attract even more tourists to this unique destination, located conveniently near the center of Banyuwangi.
