From Banda Neira to the World: The Story of CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera
A Legacy Shaped by History
In 1677, the Dutch exchanged Manhattan with the British for their claim to a small island, just under a square mile in size. This was because these 11 little-known islands, located on the southeastern edge of Indonesia, were once the world’s only source of nutmeg. Those islands, were Banda Neira
At that time, nutmeg was one of the most prized commodities in Western Europe, reputedly capable of curing ailments ranging from gas to the bubonic plague.
It all began in the early centuries of the second millennium, when Bandanese began cultivating nutmeg and quickly becoming the primary port for nutmeg trade. This attract Chinese, Malay, Javanese, and Arabo-Persian merchants, which in turn, inviting the colonials to put their feet into the Spice Islands. For the Dutch, securing a nutmeg monopoly was worth giving up Manhattan. The tradeoff was likely a no-brainer, given the lengths they’d already gone to corner the market.
The Dutch launched an attack on Banda Neira, where they massacred residents, destroyed villages, and enslaved nearly 800 individuals, resulting in a significant population decrease from approximately 15,000 to only 1,000 - 2,000 across the islands. This violent campaign enabled the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to seize control of the nutmeg trade, showcasing their willingness to go to extreme lengths to monopolize the market.
Despite all the dark history, the production of the world's finest nutmeg, known for its unmatched flavor and potency, continues unabated until today. It's truly miraculous that the Bandanese have managed to survive to this day. The 11 little-known islands, with bountiful natural resources that once a blessing, can weigh heavily as a curse for its people.
and centuries later, Cv. Bumi Maju Sejahtera emerged from those very islands...
PT. BANDA PERMAI
A government-owned nutmeg company established in Banda Neira following the collapse of the VOC.
During their time, PT. Banda Permai owned 100% of all the nutmeg trees in Banda Neira.
The Humble Beginnings of CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera
In 2002, amidst the rich history and natural splendor of Banda Neira, CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera was born. Initially, it was not named CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera, it was just a modest venture—a small spice supplier collecting nutmeg in limited quantities and selling to local Indonesian exporters. These exporters, many of whom are now recognized as leading spice companies worldwide, served as the stepping stone for CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera’s journey. Despite its humble beginnings, CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera’s commitment to quality and authenticity quickly earned it a reputation as a reliable supplier.
A Partnership with Its People
At the heart of CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera lies a deep commitment to the people of Banda Neira, many of whom have dedicated their lives to nutmeg farming. From the very beginning, CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera has worked hand in hand with local farmers, offering them fair prices for their harvests, providing resources to improve yields, and sharing knowledge to ensure sustainable farming practices.
This collaboration goes beyond business; it’s about creating a community where every family can thrive. By supporting Bandanese farmers, the company helps to preserve a way of life that has been passed down through generations. For many families, the income from nutmeg farming is their lifeline, and CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera’s unwavering dedication ensures that no one is left behind. This mission is not just about exporting spices—it’s about ensuring that the people of Banda Neira can live with dignity and hope, building a future where the island’s legacy is one of shared prosperity and resilience.
CV. BUMI MAJU SEJAHTERA
In 2017, a team filmed the documentary Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail in CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera’s warehouse in Banda. The film, directed by Jay Subyakto, explores the island's rich and complex history.
Transforming the Industry, One Step at a Time
From its humble beginnings, CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera has continually evolved to meet the demands of the global spice market. After years of supplying spices to local exporters, the company began investing in its own warehouses and processing plant. This commitment to growth and innovation has enabled CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera to become a trusted name in the industry.
At CV. Bumi Maju Sejahtera, our journey is deeply intertwined with the history of Banda Neira and its spices. From our beginnings as a small supplier to becoming one of the leading spice company in the nation, our story is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to improving the spice industry directly from the farmers—one nutmeg at a time.
Join us in celebrating the rich history of the Spice Islands and experience the finest Indonesian spices.
