A total of 9.5 tons of nutmeg departed from the Yos Sudarso Port Container Terminal in Ambon, bound for the Netherlands. The export, conducted in early 2026 by PT Kabong Tanipala Maluku, was carried out in collaboration with the Ambon TMP C Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office, Maluku Quarantine, and the Maluku Provincial Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag).
The commodities shipped consisted of Nutmeg ABCD, Nutmeg Shrivels, and Mace Broken with a total net weight of 9,500 kilograms.
“This export shows that Maluku’s superior potential, especially nutmeg, is still highly sought after by the global market,” said Sunarko, Head of the Customs and Excise Services and Technical Support Section of Ambon Customs, when interviewed at his office.
This move marks an unusual start to the year. While nutmeg exports previously occurred once a year, this time shipments began at the beginning of the year, with a target of up to three shipments throughout 2026.
Sunarko explained that for years, exports of Maluku commodities, including nutmeg and resin, were recorded in Surabaya or Makassar because the document processing and final loading were carried out there.
“Previously, export documents were issued in Surabaya. Now we’re encouraging exports to be registered in Ambon. The potential is there,” he said.
This change is made possible through a forward-loading export scheme, where goods can be shipped using local containers from Ambon, then transferred to international containers at major ports before being shipped overseas.
The export of 9.5 tons of nutmeg by PT Kabong Tanipala Maluku symbolizes Maluku’s continued relevance in the global spice trade. The target of three shipments per year signals optimism.
However, structural challenges remain: unconsolidated export volumes, high logistics costs, and a lack of downstream industries within the region.
If these issues can be addressed, Maluku, historically known as the land of spices, has the potential to become not only a producer of raw materials but also a major player in the global value chain.
“If exporters increase, the impact will be significant. Regional Original Income (PAD) will increase, jobs will be created, and the local economy will grow,” concluded Sunarko.
This nutmeg export isn’t just a shipment of 9.5 tons of the commodity. It’s a test: can Maluku transform its potential into a sustainable economic powerhouse.
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