SPICE HISTORY
THE INDONESIAN ARCHIPELAGO

From the rise of the Srivijaya and Majapahit Empire and the trading riches of Constantinople and Venice, to linking of Europe and Asia by ocean route, the discovery of the American continent and the first circumnavigation of the globe, Indonesian spices have shaped the world we know today. Select the buttons below to reveal key moments on our interactive spice history map:

  •  ⚐ East Java & Co - Single Origin
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Srivijaya Empire

SRIVIJAYA EMPIRE


The Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of Srivijaya was the first unified kingdom to rule and dominate much of the Indonesian archipelago. From its powerbase in Palembang in Sumatra, the maritime kingdom controlled the Malacca Strait and the lucrative spice trade with the China and India from the 7th to the 13th century.
Majapahit Empire

MAJAPAHIT EMPIRE


With the declining influence of the Srivijayan Kingdom came the rise of the Majapahit Empire, founded in 1293 after the defeat of the Melayu Kingdom and fighting off a Mongol invasion. At its peak, under the ruler Hayam Wuruk (1350-89), the Empire expanded across Java and gained control over much of present-day Indonesia as well as the Malay peninsula through military might.
Medieval Trading Routes

MEDIEVAL TRADING ROUTES


Until the late 15th century Indonesian spices made their way to Europe via China, India, the Red Sea and the Levant facilitated by Arab traders and the Ottoman Empire allowing the merchants of Constantinople and Venice to amass vast fortunes. This all changed in the European Age of Discovery during which ground-breaking new maritime routes were established, spearheaded by Vasco da Gama in 1498.
Vasco da Gama

VASCO DA GAMA


After a journey of almost a year, Vasco da Gama arrives in Calicut, India in May of 1498. He is the first European to establish a sea route to India and thereby connecting the West with the Orient. In 1511, the Portuguese conquer the Sultanate of Malacca and take control of the strategically important Malacca Strait before sailing east and establishing direct trade links with the Indonesian Spice Islands.
SINGLE ORIGIN
FROM ACROSS THE ARCHIPELAGO

Batudalang

Batudalang on the eastern island of Sumbawa is home to the indigenous Samawa communities. The tree lined highlands are the natural habitat of the giant Apis Dorsata bee. Sustainable harvesting of wild forest honey supports the indigenous communities and helps protect the native forests.

Mount Soputan

The north of Sulawesi is famous for its farm produce and cuisine. Mount Soputan is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 1’784 meters. Over the last 600 years there have been 39 confirmed eruptions, making it one of Sulawesi’s most active volcanos.  

Mount Kerinci

The Kerinci region is the cinnamon capital of Indonesia, if not the world. The lush forest of the Kerinci Seblat National Park surrounding Mount Kerinci is one of the last strong hold of the Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros. With an elevation of 3’805 meters, Mount Kerinici is the highest volcano in Indonesia. 

Amed

Located on the tropical shores of East Bali, Amed has been historically renowned for its high-quality sea salt. In the 17th century Amed has been appointed as the salt producer to the King of the Karangasem Regency and today these traditional manufacturing techniques are protected by Designation of Origin.

Tesso Nilo

Located in the Riau Province in Sumatra, Tesso Nilo National Park covers an area of 83,068 hectares. Unfortunately, illegal logging and poaching are a constant threat to this pristine environment. Sustainable harvesting of raw forest honey by the indigenous communities is supported by NGOs and conservation organisation integral part to strengthen the protection of this unique place.

Mount Halimun

The cool and misty slopes of the Mount Halimun Highlands in West Java make a perfect environment to grow high quality tea. Grown on rich volcanic soil at an elevation of 800 to 1000 meters, the tea reflects the unique terroir of this part of Java.

Sukoharjo

Sukoharjo is located in the middle of mystical central Java lowlands that are producing some of the best crops in Indonesia. The cultural capitals of Solo and Yogyakarta are just around the corner and so is Semarang on the coast facing the Java Sea.

Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi is Indonesia’s most active volcano. Located in mystical central Java, the surrounding lowlands are producing some of the best crops in Indonesia. The cultural capitals of Solo and Yogyakarta are just around the corner and so is Semarang on the coast facing the Java Sea.

Lake Sentarum

Danau Sentarum National Park is one of the world’s most biodiverse lake system. Located in the heart of Kalimantan in the Kupuas Hulu Regency. The region is home to 240 species of fish, 237 bird, 143 mammals and 26 reptile species. And of course its also stunningly beautiful there.

Lampung

Located on the southern tip of Sumatra on the Sunda Strait, home to the infamous Krakatoa volcano, Lampung has a thriving agricultural sector. The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa was so violent that the explosions were heard as far as 3’110 km away in Perth Australia.

Tombatu

Located just around the corner from Mount Soputan, the Tombatu region grows excellent organic ginger. The north of Sulawesi is famous for its farm produce and cuisine. Mount Soputan is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 1’784 meters.

Hulu Konaweha

The land and mountain forest along the Konaweha river in South Eastern Sulawesi are home to the indigenous Tolaki communities. Sustainable harvesting of wild forest honey supports the indigenous communities and helps protect the native forests.

Kendari

Kendari is located in South East Sulawesi and has a climate and topography perfectly suited to produces high quality pepper and ginger. Sulawesi has a unique biodiversity. Out of the more than 120 mammal species that can be found on the island, more than half are endemic to just Sulawesi, same for the more than 200 bird species.

Maserang

In the diverse, self regulating native rain forests ecosystems of Masarang in Sulawesi, the arenga palm tree grows naturally. Making arenga sugar produced from the sustainably harvested palm sap a sweet way to help protect Indonesia’s rainforests.  

Sangihe

Sangihe Island in Northern Sulawesi is a tropical paradise. Lush hills never far from the ocean make the perfect environment to grow cloves and nutmeg.

Mount Salak

Mystical Mount Salak is located in West Java near Bogor. It offers perfect condition for farming vegetables, herbs, and fruit. It’s sacred and well known for it’s beauty and the mystical stories surrounding it.

Blitar Highlands

The volcanic highlands of East Java around Blitar are blessed with scenic mountain meadows and lush forests. Bee cultivation is vital part of the culture with the best honey found at higher altitudes.
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