Lupung Coffee: A Comfortable Coffee Spot and Public Sphere in Sekadau

Interior and decor of Lupung Coffee, Sekadau. Modern yet rich in Iban cultural colors. Photo credit: The author.

Therefore, when the Keling Kumang Credit Union Movement (GCUKK) decided to establish a new business unit—a café—it was aptly named “Lupung.” 

Why is this café named Lupung?

This café is named "Lupung" because, in the Iban language, "lupung" means a place for storing rice. 

The name was chosen to symbolize good fortune, sacredness, and the hope for prosperity that is always present in this place. With this name, it is hoped that the café will become a source of blessings for its visitors.

The idea behind the name is that prosperity is always stored there. 

Coffee. Today, it’s not just about processing coffee beans the size of a pinky finger into a beverage. The beans are first roasted, then ground into powder, and finally served as an incredibly aromatic drink enjoyed hot.

Coffee has now become a necessity for many, akin to rice. It’s no surprise that coffee shops, stalls, and cafés are thriving everywhere.

Ngopi and ngo pi (having coffee and thinking)

Nowadays, people gather in coffee shops or cafés, whether as public meeting places or just to hang out. Meetings no longer take place in offices but instead happen at cafés.

Similarly, people meet at cafés while sipping coffee. Conversations and discussions flow freely.

Undoubtedly, coffee shops and cafés also serve as "information centers" and venues for transaction exchanges. Thus, the phrases "ngopi" (having coffee) and "ngo pi" (thinking) have become intertwined. Many ideas and even business deals arise in these settings. Work gets done, or meetings are held, at coffee shops.

Ngopi has transformed into a lifestyle—especially in offices. The modern office is no longer a fixed location; it can be anywhere and at any time. Some coffee shops even operate nonstop, open without breaks.

Hanging out and socializing at Lupung Café: a coffee shop transformed into a public sphere in line with Habermas' concept.

In the town of Sekadau, West Kalimantan, where the total population of the district is estimated to be around 240,000, not everyone drinks coffee at local stalls or cafés. However, this particular café seems different.

I met with a provincial official, Sudarno, at Lupung Coffee to discuss the community.

Lupung Coffee has become the meeting spot

Lupung Coffee has become the meeting spot for the Rector and staff of the State Institute of Christian Religion in Palangka Raya. Traveling all the way to Sekadau for coffee, from left to right: Dr. Kris Atok, Dr. Telhalia, Dr. Tirta, Masri Sareb, M.A., and Dr. Wilson. They enjoy coffee while discussing ideas.

This café is located at Jalan Merdeka Selatan No. 18, Mungguk, Sekadau Hilir District, Sekadau Regency. In the 1980s, it served as the residence of Prefect Lukas Spinosi CP, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church in Sekadau during its mission period.

It seems that the Keling Kumang Credit Union Movement (GKCU) was fortunate to acquire this strategically located land in the heart of Sekadau. One of its business entities is Lupung Coffee.

According to Musa, an activist from Keling Kumang CU, “The mission was simply to sell this land to CUKK. In reality, it was not ‘selling’ but rather delegating management so that the land can still benefit the community, especially the underprivileged.”

Thus, there is more than just a café here. Next door, a mart operated by CKCU has also opened wide.

Munaldus, a visionary, recognized this opportunity a few years back, stating, “This is part of the ‘spin-off’ of CU that needs to reform itself into various business entities if it wants to grow and thrive. 

The concept is for the village to surround the city. We take control of the economy starting from the villages,” he explained to me at one point.

Lupung Coffee was meticulously designed from the outset. Although the café’s design is minimalist, it exudes modernity while still appearing elegant and artistic. It’s clean and orderly, offering not just comfort and beauty but also a unique ambiance at night. 

The weariness and thirst are quenched here, accompanied by the soft sounds of local Sekadau music, truly reflecting the local color.

Ngopi together with Stefanus Masiun, Musa, and Igoh from Kapuas Hulu.

Why is the name “Lupung” chosen for the best café in Sekadau?

Hilarius Gimawan, the Manager, explains, “It means a place for storing rice in our language (Iban). Lupung embodies a sense of good fortune, a sacred place that brings blessings and prosperity.

Based on this auspicious and sacred name, we decided to call the café this,” said Hilarius Gimawan, Manager of the Keling Kumang Consumers' Cooperative Union (KKU), accompanied by Theo T., the head of the Keling Kumang Mart unit in Sekadau and also the operational manager of Lupung Coffee.

If you’d like to take home coffee grounds to enjoy, you can just place an order. However, sipping coffee on-site, in an enchanting café atmosphere, is truly unmatched—especially during the twilight or evening hours.

Lupung Coffee is bustling with visitors every day. This is a new phenomenon in Sekadau. On Saturday nights or holidays, it’s nearly impossible to find a seat.

On average, on regular days, there are no fewer than 500 visitors. On Saturday nights and holidays, that number can double.

The management and owners are preparing to expand. There might even be plans to open a new Lupung Coffee location in another city in West Kalimantan, which is undoubtedly already on the management's roadmap.

-- Masri Sareb Putra