On May 21, 2024, the Customs Office in Ambon facilitated the export of 8.55 tons of nutmeg (pala) by PT Kamboti Rempah Maluku to the Netherlands. Valued at 84,084.5 Euros, the shipment was loaded onto the Meratus Pariaman vessel bound for Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya, before being transferred to export containers destined for the Netherlands. This successful export highlights the effective collaboration between the exporter, the Maluku Regional Government, including the Maluku Department of Industry and Trade, BKHIT Maluku, and other related agencies. Ambon Customs is committed to providing excellent service to support increased exports from Maluku, emphasized Yusuf. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) originates from the Banda Islands, Maluku. This tree, which grows 4–10 meters tall and can reach up to 20 meters, has been highly valued for its seeds and mace as spices since Roman times. Nutmeg trees can be harvested at 7-9 months old, with some Banda nutmeg trees bearing fruit at 3 years old. Banda nutmeg is renowned for its superior quality and has been cultivated by local farmers in Maluku for centuries. The Banda variety was officially recognized as a superior variety by the Minister of Agriculture on December 28, 2009.

Banda nutmeg is distinguished by its high production stability after 15 years and its high market price, with dry seeds and mace priced at IDR 90,000/kg and IDR 120,000/kg, respectively. It also has the highest myristicin content (over 10%) among nutmeg varieties, making its essential oil ideal for the perfume industry, with trees flowering as early as 3 years old. According to the Directorate General of Plantations, Indonesia produced 36,242 tons of nutmeg in 2018, with a planting area of 202,325 hectares. North Maluku remains the largest nutmeg producer, followed by Aceh, Maluku, West Papua, and North Sulawesi. In 2018, North Maluku produced 8,325 tons, Aceh 6,273 tons, Maluku 5,774 tons, West Papua 5,675 tons, and North Sulawesi 5,201 tons. Indonesia is the second-largest nutmeg producer globally after Guatemala, with a market share of 26.71%. The distinctive aroma and high oil yield of Indonesian nutmeg continue to attract international markets, particularly in Europe, maintaining its status as a key export commodity. Despite fluctuations, the volume of Indonesia's nutmeg exports has generally increased from 1980 to 2018, according to the Directorate General of Plantations.

Source: https://www.siaranindonesia.com/baca/20240530/ambon-kapalkan-rempah-pala-855-ton-ke-belanda.html