Jakarta, IO – History records that the export of spices extends beyond mere commodities. They enhance the values and lifestyles of global civilizations. Such is the importance of spices in human life that they have become the drivers of economic, socio-cultural, and political developments, on a local and global scale.
Merchants risked their health and wealth to bring them to market. Cooks whipped them up to enrich their dishes. Physicians and health experts experimented with their medicinal value. Kings launched expeditions across the oceans to acquire them. Diplomacies were bonded. Human relations became global, and the history of human civilization was built.
Nusantara, generally taken to mean the Indonesian Archipelago, is a blessed land. It was chosen by God as the first place on earth to grow spices. Nusantara is the home of the world’s rich biodiversity; about 11 percent of the world’s plant species can be found in Nusantara’s tropical forests. With more than 30,000 species, a number are known and used as spices.
Often dubbed as the “Motherland of Spices” for its rich and diverse spices, Indonesia also boasts an assortment of dishes with a distinctive aroma, often featuring rich spice flavors.
Seven prominent Indonesian spices for export include pepper, nutmeg, vanilla, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric.
To foster the richness of Nusantara, the Indonesian Government is currently rejuvenating the spice route, once the pride of Indonesia. To revive this glory, the Government created the “Indonesia Spice Up the World” program, to promote the abundance of Indonesian spices.
According to the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry’s (MoTCE) data, the export value of Indonesian processed spices/herbs and fresh spices/commodities showed a positive trend over the last five years, with an average growth of 2.95 percent. In 2020, the export value was recorded at USD 1.02 billion. The target of Indonesia Spice Up The World until 2024 is to increase the export value of spices and herbs to USD 2 billion.
In recent years, the Government has targeted establishing 4,000 Indonesian restaurants abroad, which will showcase Indonesian cuisine and unique local spices.
This October, “Royal Nusantara: A Tale of Royal Nusantara Spices and Recipes” was held at the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, France. This event was organized by Primax Global, managed by Indah Warsetio and Ayudyah Widyahening, and warmly welcomed by the Civil Service Officers Wives Association (DWP) of the Indonesian Embassy in Paris.
The event took place on Wednesday (Oct 19) and introduced traditional recipes, spices and Indonesian batik. It also featured a cooking demo by Febs Asyagaf, a Masterchef Indonesia season 8 finalist.
Indah Warsetio expressed her gratitude for the full support from the Indonesian Embassy in Paris. “Mrs. Dewi, the wife of Ambassador Mohamad Oemar, is very supportive of this event. In fact, this event will be held at the Indonesian Ambassador’s residence,” she said.
As the chairwoman of the DWP of the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, Mrs. Dewi Oemar explained that the event was one of the means to introduce Indonesian spices to the European market. “We want Indonesian spices to be recognized not only in Asia but also in European and American markets. The first step starts from the city of Paris,” uttered Dewi.
Ayudyah Widyahening added that as Paris is one of the most acknowledged cities that brandishes unique flavors, it was chosen as a destination to promote Indonesian spices through a series of events.
Supported by several ministries, Indonesia Spice Up to The World aims to expand the reach of the Indonesian spice route and culinary.
Ida Ismunandar, the wife of the Deputy Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in Paris, expressed her hopes that the event supported and promoted by many ministries can boost the Indonesian DWP in Paris to elevate Indonesian spices and cuisine.
The Royal Nusantara event is endorsed by the Agriculture Ministry, Education and Culture Ministry, MoTCE and Injourney Aviata, representing state-owned enterprises. This series of events will hold roadshows throughout Europe as the first step to globalizing Indonesian spice commodities.