Meet Budi: The Heart Behind ASLAN Coffee Roasters

Founder & Head Roaster | Est. 2009

For Budi, coffee isn't just a business—it's home in a cup. Since founding ASLAN Coffee Roasters in 2009, he's been on a mission that's deeply personal: sharing the rich, complex flavours of Indonesian coffee with Australia.

A Journey of Connection

Coffee has always been Budi's bridge between worlds. As someone who naturally leans toward quiet moments and thoughtful conversations, he discovered something magical about coffee culture—it gave him permission to step outside his comfort zone. Behind the espresso machine, this self-described introvert found his voice, connecting with customers over shared appreciation for that perfect morning brew.

"There's something about coffee that breaks down barriers," Budi reflects. "Whether you're naturally outgoing or prefer listening to talking, coffee creates this common ground where everyone can connect."

Rooted in Heritage

What started as a passion project has grown into something much deeper. For Budi, every cup of ASLAN coffee carries the story of his heritage—the volcanic soils of Java, the mountain slopes of Sumatra, the traditional processing methods passed down through generations of Indonesian farmers.

"When I taste our coffee, I'm transported back home," he says. "But more than that, I want every customer to experience that same sense of place, that connection to something authentic and meaningful."

Direct Trade. Direct Relationship. Direct Impact.

2024 marked a pivotal moment in Budi's journey. Through collaboration with Bank of Indonesia's House of Beans project, his long-held dream of direct trade relationships became reality. Now, he works directly with Indonesian coffee producers, ensuring fair partnerships that create lasting impact in farming communities.

"It's not just about getting better coffee—though we definitely do," Budi explains with a quiet smile. "It's about building relationships, supporting families, and honoring the craft that goes into every single bean with transparency."

The Roaster's Touch

Sixteen years behind the roaster has taught Budi that great coffee is about patience, precision, and respect for the bean's natural character. His approach is methodical yet intuitive—understanding that each batch tells its own story and deserves individual attention.

"Every origin, every harvest, even every day can be different," he notes. "My job is to listen to what the coffee wants to become and help it get there."

Beyond the Bean

When he's not perfecting roast profiles or cupping new arrivals, Budi can be found exploring Sydney's food scene, always curious about how different cultures approach hospitality and community building. He believes that coffee shops should be more than just places to grab caffeine—they should be spaces where introverts feel comfortable lingering and extroverts find genuine conversation.

At ASLAN Coffee Roasters, Budi has created exactly that: a place where coffee serves as both comfort and catalyst, connecting people to each other and to the rich coffee traditions of Indonesia.

"Coffee taught me that being quiet doesn't mean you don't have something valuable to share. Sometimes the best conversations happen over a perfectly brewed cup." — Budi