Ambon, Maluku, 27 November 2025 — PT Sinar Hijau Ventures (SHV) officially dispatched its first export shipment of approximately seven tons of nutmeg, mace, and cloves from West Seram Regency to Vietnam. This shipment marks an important milestone in efforts to strengthen Maluku’s spice supply chain, open international market access for forest farmers, and demonstrate that spices managed by social forestry groups are ready to compete in the global market.
The export was supported by production from Social Forestry areas managed by Forest Farmer Groups (KTH), Village Forest Management Institutions (LPHD), and SHV-assisted farmers. Improvements in harvesting quality and post-harvest handling at the village level over the past two years have resulted in consistent quality that meets international buyer standards. This condition underscores the strong potential of Maluku spices to further penetrate premium markets in Asia and beyond.
SHV CEO, Dessi Yuliana, stated that this achievement reflects the growing capacity of farmers. “This first export creates greater opportunities for Maluku’s spice farmers. Through harvest and post-harvest assistance, we ensure product quality meets international standards so that farmers’ incomes increase and long-term trading opportunities can be realized,” she said.
Head of the Ambon Social Forestry Center, Ojom Somantri, S.Hut., T., M.Sc., added:
“With proper harvesting and post-harvest practices, quality will certainly improve, forests will remain protected, and commodities will be able to enter export markets. This proves that farmers and social forestry groups, when supported and given market access, can progress without damaging forests.”
Meanwhile, Head of the West Seram KPH UPTD, Fence Purimahua, SH., S.Hut., M.Si., emphasized: “This shipment demonstrates measurable results of collective work. Spice products from farmers are now ready to compete in the global market, and we hope future export volumes will grow with the involvement of more social forestry groups.”
Since 2023, SHV, as a social enterprise, has worked directly with smallholder farmers and social forestry groups in Maluku through programs that include harvest assistance, post-harvest training, provision of equipment, implementation of quality standards, and opening access to markets. The “Rimbawan Market” initiative—developed through collaboration between SHV, the Solidaridad Foundation, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Government of Canada, the Ambon Social Forestry Center, the Maluku Provincial Forestry Agency, and the West Seram KPH UPTD—helps overcome village-level trading barriers and provides direct marketing channels that deliver higher economic value to communities.
As noted by Riska Efriyanti, UNEP-TLGF Project Manager, Indonesia needs more green business initiatives like SHV that prioritize a balance between sustainable business and environmental stewardship while improving the welfare of local farmers, particularly those involved in Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS) through their flagship commodities. Moreover, SHV’s spice supply chain creates greater opportunities for women in West Seram to participate in economic activities and benefit from this enterprise. UNEP and the Government of Canada, through the TLGF project, fully support sustainable businesses and hope SHV can inspire more stakeholders to explore sustainable agroforestry in Maluku.
The success of this first export marks an initial step in strengthening the role of forest farmers in Maluku’s spice value chain. Improved harvesting quality, enhanced post-harvest practices, and optimization of local spice potential have proven capable of driving village-level economic growth while safeguarding forest sustainability.
In addition, SHV reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening village empowerment through ESG pillars, focusing on improving farmer welfare, protecting forests, and ensuring transparent governance. This approach builds a strong foundation for green enterprises and opens collaboration opportunities for investors and partners interested in supporting the development of sustainable supply chains in Maluku. SHV positions Maluku as a source of high-quality, ethical spices that are sustainably managed by local communities.
