The Impact of Geopolitical Cycles on Social and Economic Conditions of Coffee Businesses in Central Aceh, Indonesia

This study examines the role of coffee shops in Central Aceh Regency as social and political spaces within the context of ongoing geopolitical dynamics and social changes. Offering an innovative standpoint, this study moves beyond economic analyses to examine coffee shops as crucial incubators for collective socio-political consciousness. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilising a naturalistic method, due to the natural situations and conditions that facilitate the analysis of interactions among coffee shop business actors, consumers, and agencies related to the coffee sector. The findings indicate that coffee shops in Central Aceh are significant centres for fostering collective awareness and mobilising socio-political change in response to geopolitical challenges. Through the application of Ratzel's geopolitical theory, Ibn Khaldun's cycle theory, and Parsons’ system theory, this study reveals that the population of Central Aceh demonstrates the capacity to adapt to changes in the political environment. Despite various challenges, such as the increase in the prices of raw materials, business actors in the coffee sector have been able to increase their income stimulus through adaptive strategies. But the signs of a luxury phase are a danger to economic viability if not mitigated. This research highlights the need for a combined approach of a responsive, economic model with socio-political understanding for ensuring local economic sustainability.