BRIN Highlights Importance of Indonesia’s Maritime and Spice Routes

Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has underscored the crucial role of maritime and spice routes in shaping the nation’s identity and history. Ahmad Najib Burhani, head of BRIN’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Organization, emphasized that spices have not only been valuable trade commodities but also pivotal in Indonesia’s social, cultural, and religious landscapes.

Najib pointed out that the archipelago’s spices have been recognized since ancient times, citing historical references from ancient China and Egypt. To preserve this maritime heritage, BRIN is enhancing international research collaborations related to spice routes, with a publication planned for submission to Springer. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology aims to include these routes in UNESCO’s tentative world heritage list, with hopes of advancing the proposal further next year.

Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has emphasized the vital significance of maritime and spice routes in shaping the nation’s historical and cultural identity. Ahmad Najib Burhani, head of BRIN’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Organization, noted that spices were not just valuable trade commodities but also played a critical role in the social, cultural, and religious dynamics of the country.

Najib pointed out the historical relevance of Indonesian spices, referencing their mention in ancient texts from China and Egypt. To preserve this maritime heritage, BRIN is enhancing international research collaborations focused on spice routes, with plans to submit a publication to Springer.

Moreover, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology aims to add the spice routes to UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage sites, with aspirations to advance this proposal further in the coming year.