Universitas Indonesia (UI) becomes the university who is sending the most delegates to the 2023 Spice Route Cultural Goodwill organized by the Directorate of Cultural Development and Utilization (PPK), Directorate General of Culture, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. This cruise activity to trace the Archipelago Spice Route was attended by various parties, including the PPK Directorate, researchers, cultural figures, influencers, the crew of the Republic of Indonesia Ship (KRI) Dewaruci, and 20 selected Laskar Rempah.
Three UI academics were also involved in this voyage. Dr. Taqyuddin, Lecturer in the Department of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UI participated as a researcher and resource person. Furthermore, two students from the UI Faculty of Humanities (FIB) were selected as Laskar Rempah, namely Rahmat Pakaya (Indonesian Literature student Class of 2020) and Vio Nanda Ardiansyah (History Science student Class of 2022). Both of them were successfully selected from 535 Laskar Rempah registrants throughout Indonesia which were aimed at the general public aged 18-40 years.
The 2023 Spice Route Cultural Goodwill cruise sails the Surabaya–Selayar route for four days and three nights using the KRI Dewaruci. After that, the activities continued with the Maritime Culture Festival on Selayar Island, South Sulawesi, for three days. This program is an effort to support the Spice Route as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2024. This is important considering that the Spice Route is a spice trade route that has existed for 3500 years. Formed by the trade in nutmeg and cloves from the eastern archipelago, this trade route also crossed Asia, Africa, and Europe.
In his presentation on the deck of the KRI Dewaruci, Dr. Taqyuddin raised topics regarding marine spaces. He emphasized that Indonesia, as the world’s largest archipelagic country, must not ignore its gifts in the form of rich biodiversity, natural resources, salt, solar energy and waves. As a form of responsibility in supporting the integrity of Indonesia, most of which is ocean, academics need to continue to innovate in ship technology. He views this as a security measure for residents in border areas.
“Knowing marine spaces also means getting to know the Spice Route in accordance with one of its missions, namely revitalizing maritime culture which is believed to be the main cultural heritage of the system of intercultural connectivity across islands and continents called the Spice Route.”The Spice Route needs to be recognized as a world cultural heritage because the practice of complementing each other, exchanging knowledge, and conflict on the Spice Route of the past is evidence of efforts to mature human livelihoods from various nations,” said Dr. Taqyuddin.
The Spice Route Cultural Goodwill Cruise made an extraordinary impression on the participants. Vio Nanda Ardiansyah, a UI student who is part of Laskar Rempah, said, “This program provides an opportunity to revitalize historical relationships and appreciate more deeply the cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage that surrounds us. It was truly an unforgettable experience, strengthening my sense of pride in Indonesia’s cultural diversity, and making me even more inspired to preserve it.”
Rahmat Pakaya felt the same thing, who hopes to continue contributing to the Spice Route. “Sailing with KRI Dewaruci has become an eternal history in my life. As a student, I am aware that my role is important in supporting the Spice Route to UNESCO. For example, by conducting research, transferring knowledge to fellow students, or even forming a Spice Route organization within UI. This will be concrete evidence that UI supports the Spice Route to become a World Cultural Heritage next year,” said Rahmat.
The program, which started on November 22nd 2023 and ended on December 2nd 2023, is expected to reconstruct the historical narrative of the Spice Route, which proves that Indonesia is one of the largest spice producing countries in the world. The appointment of the Spice Route as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2024 will be useful for Indonesia to be recognized internationally as the owner of the Spice Route and the world’s maritime axis.
Author: Rahmat Pakaya | Editor : Dyra Daniera/Finda Salsabila
