Rhun Island in the Banda Islands, Maluku, was once a subject of dispute between England and the Netherlands due to its nutmeg commodity. Through Treaty of Breda in 1667, England agreed to cede Rhun Island to the Netherlands, and in return, the Netherlands handed over Manhattan Island (formerly known as Niew Amsterdam) in New York. To this day, the people of Rhun Island continue to cultivate nutmeg. However, they face numerous challenges, such as the quality of nutmeg after drying. In an effort to promote economic self-sufficiency, EcoNusa has initiated the construction of solar dryer dome on Rhun Island at early October 2023, enabling the community to dry their harvest and obtain higher-quality dried nutmeg.
Text: Nur Alfiyah | Photos: Dirman
