Tri Hita Karana: Subak Abian’s Wisdom to Improve the Coffee Quality

Subak Abian is a traditional farmer organization in Bali that adheres to the Hindu philosophy of “Tri Hita Karana”, which translates as three causes of happiness that can be obtained when one has a good relationship with God, other people and nature. This philosophy itself is a starting point of Subak Abian to continue the tradition of coffee plantation in Bali in a sustainable way. However, the quality of its Arabica coffee is still low. Therefore, the local government engaged Subak Abian to improve the quality by establishing a processing unit with more advanced management that become an agribusiness of Kintamani coffee later. This study aims to analyse the transformation of Subak Abian from their traditional organization into an agribusiness unit that bring Kintamani coffee to the worldwide. In this matter, we try to describe the role of Subak Abian in improving the quality of sustainable coffee production by identifying their nature as social organization and its local values. This study employs qualitative approach and the data is collected through in-depth interviews with coffee farmers (Subak Abian members) and the local government officials, observation, and document analysis. This study is important and interesting for other regions to transform their local community-based organizations to contribute to the regional development.