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A Passion for Coffee: UPH College's Champion Barista Shares About His Love for Brewing
16-April-2025
At just seventeen, Deon Valencio, a Year 11 student at UPH College, is already making significant waves in the world of specialty coffee. Born and raised in Jakarta, Deon’s fascination with coffee began at the tender age of ten, stemmed naturally from his curiosity and observation of his parents running an F&B business, which includes a local cafe. This early exposure ignited a passion that has since blossomed into a remarkable journey of skill, entrepreneurship, and ambition.
Demonstrating initiative and a desire to cultivate shared interests within his school community, Deon proposed the establishment of a student-run cafe and coffee community ― which he said is the first of its kind among Indonesian high schools ― as part of UPH College’s student clubs, which aim to foster student creativity and passion, and facilitate shared interests and exchange of knowledge and skills among their members. The idea swiftly gained approval and full support from the school administration, culminating in the January 2025 launch of DEN Coffee.
The cafe’s arrival was met with considerable excitement, not only from the UPH College students but also from the broader UPH community. When recruitment for barista was announced, the overwhelming response saw nearly 300 students applying before they were shortlisted to a 15-member core team working on regular shifts. Deon himself took on the responsibilities of crafting the menu, choosing the coffee beans, training the novice baristas, and overseeing the general operations of DEN Coffee.
“In the beginning it was quite challenging to balance on-campus work with school because I had to train the baristas, most of them had zero knowledge of coffee brewing. But now things are less hectic because we are able to divide up the tasks and complement each other as a team,” Deon said, adding that he also gained valuable business insights learning how to manage costs effectively and, more importantly, manage a team with diverse personality types.
The name “DEN Coffee” carries a special significance, drawing inspiration from the bible story of prophet Daniel in the lions’ den. This symbolic choice aims to inspire students to be courageous in their convictions, to maintain unwavering faith in their visions, to cultivate resilience in the face of challenges, and to consistently strive for excellence, while leaving the outcomes to God. Operating during the students’ personal research time, from 1-3pm, DEN Coffee has quickly become a popular hangout spot on campus.
Deon’s expertise extends far beyond the operational aspects of his cafe. He is a recognized prodigy among coffee connoisseurs after his recent triumph as the youngest champion of the Arummi Barista Challenge. The prestigious competition, organized by the Industry Ministry (Kemenperin) in collaboration with Arummi Foods, a pioneer in Indonesia's locally sourced cashew milk, saw Deon outperforming more seasoned baristas from across the nation to bag the first prize in August last year.
His participation in other notable competitions, including Delifru Drink Expert and the Indonesia Youth Barista Championship (IYBC), has further honed his skills and provided invaluable experience.
His dedication to mastering the craft is also underscored by his globally recognized coffee brewing certificate from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) after completing the rigorous exams at the Indonesia Speciality Coffee Campus (ISCC) in BSD, Tangerang. This certification further equips him in the art of coffee making, covering theoretical knowledge and practical skills in various brewing methods, coffee roasting, and sensory evaluation.
Dispelling the notion of innate talent as a prerequisite for success in this profession, Deon believes that the true cornerstones of mastery lie more with passion and dedication. “You don’t have to be gifted to become a barista,” he revealed. “All it takes is willingness to keep learning, practicing and exploring so you can make coffee with consistent quality.”
In Deon’s view, the qualities of a good barista extend beyond mere technical proficiency. “A good barista is someone who combines technical skills with interpersonal qualities,” he noted. “They should possess strong customer service skills, knowledge of coffee and brewing techniques, and can effectively manage a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive and friendly demeanor.”
Among the diverse array of coffee beans, Deon has a particular fondness for Flores Bajawa. This Arabica variety, originating from the Bajawa highlands of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, is preferred for its balanced flavor profile, with medium acidity and subtle notes of dark chocolate and natural caramel characterized by hints of nutty and floral aromas.
“At DEN Coffee, we only use locally sourced and roasted coffee beans due to their freshness, unique flavor profiles reflecting the region where it is grown and also because we want to support the local farmers,” he added.
Living by the motto “where there’s a will there’s a way,” Deon draws inspiration and encouragement from his father, whom he deeply admires. He also idolizes Mikael Jasin, the groundbreaking Indonesian barista who clinched the World Barista Championship (WBC) in 2024, a feat Deon himself aspires to achieve one day.
Travel also serves as a wellspring of creativity for Deon, particularly his visits to Melbourne, Australia, a lively city renowned for its vibrant and diverse cafe culture and often hailed as one of the coffee capitals of the world.
Reflecting on his journey and looking ahead, Deon offers an encouraging message to his fellow students who may wish to follow a similar path: “Don’t be afraid to dream big because in God everything is possible.”
Through his passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to his craft, Deon Valencio is not just brewing coffee; he is brewing a future filled with promise and potential.