SUJI: From Laboratory to the Global Coffee Scene, A Conversation with Ronald Malone Wangsa

When discussing high-quality coffee equipment, the name SUJI Premium Handcrafted Glassware is becoming increasingly recognized. 

This local brand offers handmade borosilicate glass coffee tools, a rarity in Indonesia’s coffee industry. Under Pudak Scientific, a company with over 40 years of experience in laboratory glass production, SUJI is not just a product but a reflection of local innovation and craftsmanship.

HUDES | Worldwide Digital Magazine for Manual Coffee Brewers

Behind SUJI’s journey is Ronald Malone Wangsa, the Director of Pudak Scientific. With a background in laboratory glass, he saw a great opportunity to bring high-quality glass production techniques into the coffee world.

Man behind SUJI - Ronald Malone Wangsa | photo by Ronald doc.

"We already had the facilities and expertise in laboratory glass, and I noticed the rising trend of manual brewing in Indonesia. That’s when the idea emerged: why not use our expertise to create coffee equipment?" Ronald shared with Hudes in an interview.

Thus, in 2016, SUJI was born with a commitment to delivering handmade products with high precision. The name SUJI is derived from the suji leaf, a symbol of growth that reflects the brand’s philosophy—strong and sustainable development.

However, building a handmade glassware brand in Indonesia comes with challenges. According to Ronald, the country’s glassblowing industry is still underdeveloped, meaning there are few skilled artisans or references to learn from. 

"We had to learn everything on our own as we progressed. The production techniques are complex, and because our products are handmade and made from borosilicate glass, the production costs are quite high," he explained.

Despite these challenges, SUJI does not aim to compete on price against cheaper mass-produced items. They emphasize quality and customization. 

SUJI can manufacture in small quantities, even just one or two pieces tailored to a customer’s needs. This is something that large brands with mass production find difficult to offer.

This strategy has paid off. SUJI has now partnered with several international brands to produce custom coffee servers and drippers. Ronald mentioned that SUJI is gradually gaining recognition abroad and continuously working to establish itself as a premium Indonesian product.

"We also frequently collaborate with baristas and roasteries to develop products that truly meet their needs. Next year, we will participate in World of Coffee Jakarta 2025 to introduce SUJI to a broader international audience," Ronald said.

Looking ahead, SUJI plans to expand beyond coffee equipment into lifestyle and furniture products designed specifically for coffee shops. He want SUJI to be more than just a glassware brand; to be an integral part of the specialty coffee industry ecosystem.

With this vision, Ronald hopes SUJI will serve as proof that Indonesia can produce world-class coffee equipment capable of competing in global markets. They want SUJI to be a source of pride for Indonesia, not just domestically but also on the world stage. (hudes)