In short: Kayu Aro Tea Estate is a tea plantation in Kerinci Regency, Indonesia, operated by PTPN VI and situated at 1,618 metres above sea level.
Kayu Aro Tea Estate is a tea plantation located in Kerinci Regency, Indonesia, positioned at 1,618 metres above sea level. The estate is operated by PTPN VI, one of Indonesia's state-owned plantation companies. The operation produces both black and green teas and holds Ethical Tea Partnership certification.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,618 metres above sea level, Kayu Aro sits at an elevation that typically supports slower, more gradual leaf development. Estates at similar altitudes in equatorial Indonesia generally benefit from cooler ambient temperatures and diurnal variation that can encourage the accumulation of flavour compounds in the leaf. The Kerinci Regency's position close to the equator means that photoperiod remains relatively constant throughout the year, and rainfall patterns tend to follow the monsoonal cycles characteristic of Sumatra's interior highlands.
High-elevation Indonesian estates often contend with mist cover and high humidity, conditions that generally favour tender flush production but require careful post-harvest handling to prevent oxidation or microbial issues before processing. The volcanic soils common to this part of Sumatra tend to offer good drainage and mineral content, factors that can influence plant vigour and leaf chemistry, though specific soil composition at Kayu Aro has not been documented in available records.
Tea Produced
Kayu Aro produces both black and green teas. Black teas from high-altitude Indonesian estates typically exhibit a smooth, malty character with moderate astringency and occasionally a subtle fruitiness or floral edge, though cup profile varies with clone material, plucking standard, and oxidation management. Green teas from this elevation in Sumatra tend toward a vegetal, slightly grassy character with a clean finish, though processing style—whether pan-fired, steamed, or tumbled—plays a decisive role in the final sensory outcome. Without detailed processing records, precise tasting descriptors for Kayu Aro remain speculative.
Operator
PTPN VI is a state-owned enterprise within Indonesia's plantation sector, managing a portfolio of agricultural estates. No other estates operated by PTPN VI are currently recorded in this directory, though the company's holdings extend beyond tea into other cash crops across the Indonesian archipelago.
Certifications & Ethics
Kayu Aro holds certification under the Ethical Tea Partnership, a multi-stakeholder initiative that requires member estates to meet standards on labour rights, health and safety, and environmental stewardship. For buyers, ETP certification provides third-party assurance on working conditions and management practices; for workers, it establishes a framework for grievance mechanisms, safe working environments, and respect for core labour conventions, though the effectiveness of such schemes depends on the rigour of auditing and the estate's commitment to continuous improvement.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Kayu Aro Tea Estate lies at -1.7631, 101.2694 in Kerinci Regency, Indonesia. Its 1618 m elevation is the 4th highest of 17 estates we map in Indonesia. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Kayu Aro — 74 km away · Jambi
- Danau Kembar — 125 km away · West Sumatra
- Bah Butong Estate — 573 km away · Simalungun Regency
- HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory — 661 km away · North Sumatra
- Negara KanaanTea Estate — 901 km away · Kab. Bandung
Observed Climate at Kayu Aro Tea Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Kayu Aro Tea Estate’s coordinates recorded 3,130 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was September (429 mm) and the driest was July (148 mm). Daytime highs averaged 21.1 °C and overnight lows 13.7 °C over the year; May was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 3,130 mm |
| Wettest month | September (429 mm) |
| Driest month | July (148 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 21.1 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 13.7 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kayu Aro Tea Estate located?
Kayu Aro Tea Estate is in Kerinci Regency, Indonesia, at coordinates -1.7631, 101.2694, at an elevation of about 1618 metres.
Who operates Kayu Aro Tea Estate?
Kayu Aro Tea Estate is operated by Ptpn Vi, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Kayu Aro Tea Estate produce?
Kayu Aro Tea Estate is recorded as producing black and green tea.
What certifications does Kayu Aro Tea Estate hold?
Kayu Aro Tea Estate is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Kayu Aro Tea Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 3,130 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in September (429 mm).
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
