In short: Bah Butong Estate is a tea plantation in Simalungun Regency, Indonesia, operated by Ptpn Iv and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Bah Butong Estate is a tea plantation located in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia, at an elevation of 979 metres above sea level. The estate is operated by Ptpn Iv, a company active in Indonesian plantation agriculture. The estate produces both black and green teas and holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership. No downstream buyers are currently recorded in public supply-chain databases.
Terroir & Climate
At 979 metres elevation and a latitude of approximately 2.8°N, Bah Butong sits in the tropical highland zone characteristic of North Sumatra's tea-growing regions. Estates at this altitude in equatorial Indonesia typically experience consistent temperatures year-round, with warm days moderated by elevation and reliable rainfall distributed across most months. This combination generally supports steady vegetative growth without the pronounced seasonal dormancy seen in higher-latitude or higher-elevation origins.
The volcanic soils common to Simalungun Regency tend to offer good drainage and mineral availability, factors that often contribute to vigorous bush health. The relatively modest elevation—compared to estates above 1,500 metres—usually results in faster leaf maturation and a growing environment that can support both orthodox and CTC processing styles. Humidity levels in this region are typically high, which can influence withering times and fermentation dynamics during black tea manufacture.
Tea Produced
Bah Butong produces both black and green teas. Black teas from estates at this elevation in North Sumatra often yield a straightforward, malty cup with moderate body and a clean finish, sometimes displaying subtle earthy or woody notes. Green teas from equatorial highland estates tend to be vegetal and slightly sweet, with less astringency than higher-grown origins; processing style and plucking standard will significantly influence the final character. The consistent warmth and year-round growth cycles typical of this latitude generally favour approachable, everyday-drinking profiles rather than the more complex or refined characters associated with slow-grown, high-altitude leaf.
Operator
Ptpn Iv operates Bah Butong Estate. The company is part of Indonesia's state-owned plantation sector, which has historically managed a range of commodity crops including tea, palm oil, and rubber. No other estates operated by Ptpn Iv are currently recorded in this directory, though the company's portfolio may extend beyond the holdings for which public supply-chain data is available.
Certifications & Ethics
Bah Butong Estate holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, an industry initiative focused on improving working conditions and environmental practices across tea supply chains. ETP certification indicates that the estate has undergone independent assessment against standards covering labour rights, health and safety, and environmental stewardship. For buyers, this certification provides a degree of assurance regarding social and environmental due diligence; for workers, it is intended to support safer conditions, fair treatment, and access to grievance mechanisms.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Bah Butong Estate lies at 2.8208, 98.9107 in Simalungun Regency, Indonesia. Its 979 m elevation is the 10th highest of 17 estates we map in Indonesia. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- HQ Sipef, Cibuni Factory — 89 km away · North Sumatra
- Danau Kembar — 448 km away · West Sumatra
- Kayu Aro Tea Estate — 573 km away · Kerinci Regency
- Kayu Aro — 635 km away · Jambi
- Malabar Tea Estate — 1446 km away · Jl. Sindangsima 4
Observed Climate at Bah Butong Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Bah Butong Estate’s coordinates recorded 2,437 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was January (414 mm) and the driest was June (38 mm). Daytime highs averaged 25.5 °C and overnight lows 18.6 °C over the year; July was the warmest month and January the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 2,437 mm |
| Wettest month | January (414 mm) |
| Driest month | June (38 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 25.5 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 18.6 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bah Butong Estate located?
Bah Butong Estate is in Simalungun Regency, Indonesia, at coordinates 2.8208, 98.9107, at an elevation of about 979 metres.
Who operates Bah Butong Estate?
Bah Butong Estate is operated by Ptpn Iv, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Bah Butong Estate produce?
Bah Butong Estate is recorded as producing black and green tea.
What certifications does Bah Butong Estate hold?
Bah Butong Estate is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Bah Butong Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 2,437 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in January (414 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].
