Indonesia has long been blessed with abundant resources, including cultural diversity and spices, which have captivated the world’s attention for centuries. Leveraging this potential is crucial as a selling point and the cornerstone of national food security.
The Directorate of Research at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) delved into this topic during the second edition of the Kosmopolis Rempah webinar series titled “From Forced Labor to Petai Business: Spice Trade and Food Security,” held on Wednesday (Feb. 21).
“Spice cosmopolis refers to a zone or area, urban or suburban, directly or indirectly linked through dimensions of spice production, consumption, technology, science, economy, trade, and culture, thus forming a civilization,” explained Professor Mustofa.
Historically, the spice routes weren’t merely trade routes; they facilitated cultural exchange and knowledge dissemination, shaping the world as we know it today.
The spice trade has a dark past, marred by atrocities. In 1621, the people of Banda Island faced a massacre at the hands of the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) forces, who sought to control the prized spice resources.
Following this tragedy, the VOC coerced laborers from various regions to work in the spice plantations, notably nutmeg, on the Banda Islands.
“The nutmeg plantations, known as perk/perken, were managed by perkeniers recruited by the VOC. Many signed up, including military veterans, to manage these plantations,” shared Dr. Umi Barjiah from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM.
At the peak, there were 83 nutmeg plantations on Banda Island, among others, demonstrating the scale of exploitation.
Spices, mainly pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, remain a cornerstone of Indonesia’s exports, which see high demand in European markets.
According to Professor Djagal Wiseso Marseno, an expert from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, UGM, leveraging this potential could bolster Indonesia’s food security, given its favorable geographical and agricultural potential.
“Indonesia faces challenges regarding food security, ranked 4th in the ASEAN Country Food Security Index, but our tropical climate and agrarian resources offer significant potential. The global market for herbal and dried spice is forecasted to reach $8.4 billion by 2028,” Professor Marseno elaborated.
Beyond traditional spices, unconventional yet high-potential items like petai (Parkia speciosa) and jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum), known for their distinctive flavors, are gaining attention. These plants flourish in various regions of Java, albeit in micro-scale and scattered cultivation.
“The production and distribution of petai are still inefficient, impacting its quality. Transportation, for instance, is often bulk-stacked, affecting post-harvest quality,” noted Professor Supriyadi, a Faculty of Agricultural Technology, UGM lecturer.
This webinar aims to foster discussions to maximize the potential of domestic commodities, ultimately contributing to economic growth and bolstering national food security, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 to end hunger. UGM remains committed to supporting initiatives for self-sufficient and sustainable communities.
Author: Tasya