Bener Meriah, Aceh, July 14 -- Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said Indonesia will expand Gayo coffee production to boost exports and raise farmers' incomes, as the globally recognized Aceh specialty strengthens the country's plantation industry.

"We are developing Aceh and improving farmers' welfare through Gayo coffee, which is already known worldwide. Our next priority is expanding exports," Sulaiman said on Tuesday.

Coffee cultivation in Aceh has generated about Rp4 trillion (approximately US$246 million) in economic value, based on local government data, he said.

The government has supported coffee cultivation across about 17,000 hectares, with roughly 17 million coffee trees planted in production centers throughout Aceh....