Aga Muhammad, Indonesia
Company
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Hello! My name is Aga. This year marks my seventh time competing in the national barista championship and my second time at the World Barista Championship (WBC). I first competed in the WBC in Amsterdam in 2018 but did not make it to the next round. 2019 I tried again and finished in second place in the Nationals. I felt ambitious, but I realized I needed a break. Then, COVID hit, which paused competitions for everyone. A few years later, I returned to the national competition in 2022, finishing in third place, which was a bit disappointing. After that, I took another three-year break from competing on stage. During this time, I helped my friends prepare for competitions by coaching them, which gave me a new perspective. Last year, I volunteered as a calibration barista for the WBC in Busan. This experience taught me a lot. It inspired me to return to the stage, compete again, and show a better version of myself. Now, after six years, I have won the national championship again—a second chance that I will take seriously. While my story may not be exciting, I find motivation in a teammate who is a big Liverpool fan. He believes this year will be special since his team has won again after six years, similar to my journey in competition. So, I'm channeling this excitement to cultivate my champion mindset, mentality, and spirit.
What are you excited to do while you are in Milan?
Milan has been on my wishlist for a long time. I'm so excited to compete in Milan and can't wait to explore the coffee scene, try the local food, visit museums and historical sites, and enjoy the fashion scene.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
I enjoy traveling and experiencing the world from different perspectives. I also love everything about photography, music, and fashion.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Yes, of course! My team, who have been by my side since the national preparation, Dawn Chan, Salsa, and Rendy, you guys are amazing! To all the Indonesian coffee community, thank you for your never-ending support.
