Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a plant that originates from the Banda Islands. Until today, nutmeg is still one of primary livelihood for communities in Banda Islands and the other regions of Maluku, like Ambon Island. Some of the nutmeg commodities are exported abroad.
In November 2023, for the first time, nutmeg from the Banda Islands and Ambon Island directly exported to the Netherlands by Kamboti Rempah Maluku (KRM) Cooperative in collaboration with PT Kobumi with the support of EcoNusa Foundation. A total of 8,978 kilograms of nutmeg, consists of 7,049 nutmeg seeds and 1,928 nutmeg flowers (fuli), with an export value of EUR110,349.37 were loaded into a 20ft container at Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon. The container is planned to be transported by the Meratus Palembang ship. At the Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, the commodities will be repackaged into export containers and loaded onto a ship leading to Rotterdam.
This inaugural export release was attended by the Acting Head of Ambon Customs Office M Yusuf Nasution, the Head of the Industry and Trade Office of Maluku Yahya Kota, the Acting Regional Head of Customs for Maluku Djaka Kusmartata, the Head of the EcoNusa Foundation Maluku Islands Office Gadri Attamimi, and the Head of KRM Cooperative Samson R Atapary.
“In conducting exports, Kamboti Rempah Maluku Cooperative is not just exporting the commodities, but also selling tourism value. We introduce to our buyer that the nutmeg they are purchasing comes from Banda, from Seith in Leihitu District. Because there are some tourists who visit Banda or Maluku because they want to see firsthand the place of origin of the nutmeg they consume,” said Sam Atapary in inaugural export release ceremony, Wednesday, 8 November 2023.
Since the beginning of this year, KRM as an integral part of PT Kobumi, has successfully forged significant collaborations to expand the local market share in the distribution of nutmeg harvested by the communities. PT Kobumi has also initiated local sales to Surabaya and Jakarta, totaling 45.5 tons. The buyer sent this nutmeg to the markets in China and the Middle East.
According to Yahya, exports and investments are two key elements for economic progress. As the economy grows, it’s expected to alleviate disparities, inequality, and poverty in the communities. “Exports should be increased, especially for the potential natural resources, that can provide high added values and involve a broad value change,” he said.
He mentioned that Maluku exported 56 tons of nutmeg with a value US$430 thousand in 2021, US$130 thousand in 2022. In June and October 2023, Maluku also exported nutmeg and cloves amounted to 30.85 tons with a value of US$110 million.
The Head of EcoNusa Maluku Islands Office, Gadri Attamimi, stated that nutmeg exports are one form of EcoNusa Foundation’s commitment to promoting the economic self-sufficiency of communities. “This export is also a manifestation of the joint commitment between EcoNusa and Maluku Province which include supporting the acceleration of export by the local government,” said Gadri.
In addition to Kamboti Rempah Maluku Cooperatives, EcoNusa also have been supporting Anugerah Alam Maluku Cooperative in Banda Neira, Kopera Ukar lean Cooperative in East Seram, Rakyat Lestari cooperatives in East Seram. Also Banda Naira Mandiri Cooperative in Banda Neira, Saloi Rempah Bainaiya Cooperative in Central Maluku, and Tiva So Babunyi Cooperative in Ternate.
Editor: Swiny Adestika
