Born in Palangkaraya, Indonesia, on August 18, 1985, just a day after Indonesia’s independence day, Kurniawan Arif Maspul’s journey began in a culturally rich environment that deeply influenced his worldview. His early education unfolded in a unique trajectory through diverse educational settings, starting in Palangkaraya and moving to Darul Hirah Boarding School in Martapura in 2000. Immersed in the world of Islamic education and Pesantren culture, Kurniawan honed his discipline, leadership, and vision for life during his formative years.
At Darul Hirah, Kurniawan’s academic and spiritual development flourished, setting the stage for a transition to MA Tahfidh Al Amien in Madura. Here, he embarked on a rigorous journey of Quran memorization, completing it within an impressive timeframe of 1 year and 4 months. His achievement earned him a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca in 2005, a heartfelt reward from his mother. Furthermore, Kurniawan’s academic excellence and creative acumen were further recognized through multiple local and national awards from 2005 to 2006. He demonstrated his prowess in writing and public speaking, securing top positions in Arabic and English speech contests and scientific writing competitions at various universities in East Java.
Continuing his higher education, Kurniawan accepted a full scholarship at the Islamic University of Madinah, where he graduated in 2013. His choice to study in the land of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was driven by a deep spiritual connection and intellectual curiosity. Alongside offers from other prestigious institutions like Al-Azhar University in Cairo and UIN Sunan Ampel in Surabaya, his decision highlighted his commitment to a holistic education that blends Islamic studies with global cultural perspectives.
Following his undergraduate studies, Kurniawan pursued advanced degrees in diverse fields. He completed an MBA in India (2020), an MBA at the University of the People (2022), and the same year he accomplished a Master of Arts (MA) in Islamic Studies from the International Open University in Gambia. His academic pursuits reflect a lifelong commitment to interdisciplinary learning, with ongoing studies in Islamic Banking and Finance (Al-Madinah International University) and Psychology and Islamic Counseling (IOU). Additionally, his Master of Education (M.Ed) in Advanced Teaching from UoPeople underscores his dedication to educational excellence.
Career Path
Kurniawan’s professional journey began in the vibrant coffee markets of Dubai, UAE (2017–2021). In this cosmopolitan hub, he immersed himself in the complexities of global coffee cultures, gaining invaluable insights into the industry's nuances. Transitioning to Buraidah, Saudi Arabia in 2021, he continued to expand his influence as a Coffee Value Chain Manager. Over nearly four years, Kurniawan has played a pivotal role in optimizing the coffee supply chain, championing sustainable practices, and fostering regional economic growth.
Contributions to the Coffee Industry
Education and Training
As an Authorized Specialty Coffee Association Trainer (AST), Kurniawan is at the forefront of coffee education. He has designed and delivered training programs that equip baristas, roasters, and entrepreneurs with the skills needed to excel in the competitive coffee industry. His work aligns with Becker’s (2009) Human Capital Theory, which posits that investment in education and skill development enhances individual productivity and economic outcomes.
Promoting Coffee Sustainability
Kurniawan’s commitment to sustainability is evident in his advocacy for ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship. He integrates the principles of the Triple Bottom Line (Elkington, 1997), emphasizing economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social equity. His initiatives include reducing waste in coffee production and educating farmers and stakeholders on the ecological impact of their practices.
Bridging Coffee and Culture
Beyond technical expertise, Kurniawan explores coffee’s cultural significance, particularly in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian contexts. He emphasizes coffee’s role as a social catalyst, a perspective rooted in Symbolic Interactionism (Blumer, 1986), which explores how symbols, such as coffee, shape social interactions and collective identity.
Writing and Research
Kurniawan is a prolific contributor to academic and industry discourse on coffee. His research delves into the intersections of coffee culture, economics, and sustainability. His work aligns with the Creative Economy Theory (Howkins, 2002), demonstrating how intellectual property and innovation drive economic growth. Through publications, seminars, and industry collaborations, Kurniawan bridges academia and practical application, enhancing the coffee industry’s knowledge base.
Moreover, leveraging digital platforms like YouTube, Kurniawan connects with a global audience, sharing insights on coffee culture and best practices. His digital content aligns with the Uses and Gratifications Theory (Katz, 1974), catering to the audience's informational and entertainment needs while promoting coffee appreciation and education.
References
Becker, G. S. (2009). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis, with special reference to education. University of Chicago Press.
Blumer, H. (1986). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and method. Univ of California Press.
Elkington, J. (1997). The Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business. Capstone.
Howkins, J. (2002). The creative economy: How people make money from ideas. Penguin UK.
Katz, E. (1974). Utilization of mass communication by the individual. The uses of mass communications: Current perspectives on gratifications research, 19-32.
