Bengkulu, Sept. 7 -- Kepahiang District in Bengkulu Province has made its first direct export of 19.2 tons of coffee to Italy, marking a major step in expanding international markets for the region's flagship commodity.

"Today marks an important and historic step for Bengkulu Province. This inaugural export is concrete proof that our leading regional commodity has quality, potential, and strategic value," Bengkulu Vice Governor Mian said in Kepahiang on Monday.

According to Mian, the shipment provides momentum to strengthen the province's position as a coffee-producing region capable of exporting directly to global markets.

Previously, coffee produced in Bengkulu was often attributed to neighboring provinces because it was transported ...