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Transforming the Spice Route: Downstreaming, the Blue Economy, and Sustainable Investment Collaboration
Background
Ternate and Tidore represent two vital nodes in the history of global economics. From these regions, the Spice Route shaped global trade flows connecting East and West, establishing the Indonesian Archipelago as a premier hub for high-value commodities such as cloves and nutmeg. This heritage is not merely a relic of the past but a relevant foundation upon which to rebuild the region’s role within the contemporary global economic context.
Beyond their historical prominence, Ternate and Tidore possess diverse modalities. Their strategic location in Eastern Indonesia positions them as integral parts of the Pacific maritime economic network, boasting significant marine and fishery potential. Simultaneously, the cultural wealth emerging from the history of the Sultanates and the Spice Route provides a robust identity and opportunities for heritage-based economic development and tourism. The synergy of natural resources, geographic positioning, and cultural character provides a solid basis for targeted economic advancement.
The current challenge lies in optimizing this potential to generate greater value-added. A reliance on raw commodities continues to limit the economic contribution of the region. Meanwhile, global market trends indicate an increasing demand for processed products, efficient supply chains, and business practices that prioritize sustainability.
In this context, transformation through commodity downstreaming, strengthening the blue economy, and establishing constructive investment partnerships has become increasingly imperative. This approach is expected to catalyze more productive business development while maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
As part of this endeavor, the Business and Investment Forum Ternate–Tidore 2026 is convened in Jakarta. This forum is designed as a strategic meeting point for local governments, business practitioners, and potential investment partners to explore collaborative opportunities in an open and structured manner. The forum aims to foster a mutual understanding of available potentials and serve as a preliminary step toward concrete partnerships.
Objectives
The forum serves as a strategic platform to introduce investment opportunities in Ternate and Tidore to potential domestic and international partners, while facilitating constructive dialogue between project owners and interested stakeholders. The approach focuses not only on promotion but also on providing comprehensive information to support the partnership exploration process.
Specifically, the forum aims to facilitate relevant matchings between offered projects and suitable investors, paving the way for formal cooperation. Furthermore, the event is expected to sharpen the regional economic transformation through downstreaming and ocean-based economic development. In a broader sense, this forum is part of an ongoing effort to build trust and position Ternate and Tidore as regions open to sustainable investment collaboration.
Strategic Focus and Priority Sectors
High-Value and Sustainable Investment Opportunities
- Downstreaming of Agriculture and Fisheries Investment is directed toward strengthening processing industries to enhance the value-added of regional flagship commodities. This includes fishery processing and canning, spice processing, and export-oriented organic food products, supported by integrated supply chains and technology. This approach emphasizes production efficiency, optimized energy utilization, and the application of sustainable industrial principles to increase competitiveness and ensure long-term business viability.
- Blue Economy and Coastal Sustainability The utilization of marine and coastal resources is developed through an approach that balances economic activities with ecosystem health. Investment opportunities include conservation-based marine tourism, coastal rehabilitation (mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs), and the management of conservation areas that allow for limited and responsible utilization. This framework encourages business activities that generate economic value while contributing to environmental sustainability and the welfare of local communities.
- Impact-Based Investment Collaboration Investment development in Ternate and Tidore focuses on partnerships that yield both financial returns and positive social-environmental impacts. Investments are expected to drive knowledge and technology transfer, enhance local human resource capacity, and strengthen the integration of local businesses into broader value chains. Available schemes include Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Domestic Investment, emphasizing mutually beneficial medium-to-long-term collaboration.
Event Execution
The Business and Investment Forum Ternate–Tidore will be held at:
- Day/Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
- Time: 12:30 – 16:00 WIB (Commencing with lunch)
- Venue: Timor Room, Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta
The event is designed in a concise and targeted format, providing space for relevant information sharing and direct interaction. The main agenda includes presentations on collaboration and investment opportunities by the city governments, followed by a matching session for in-depth discussion. The forum also provides an opportunity for the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) as a form of initial commitment.
Speakers and Discussants
- Ahmad Laiman, S.Sos. | Vice Mayor of Tidore Islands
- Dr. H. Rizal Marsaoly, SE., MM | Regional Secretary of Ternate City
- Dr. Hasyim Daeng Barang, S.STP., M.Si. | Director of Investment Cooperation, Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM
- Handi Susila | Head of Representative Office, Bank Indonesia North Maluku
- Ir. Gajali Abd Muthalib | Chairman of DPW APINDO North Maluku
- Santi Tan | CEO and Founder of SAFF & Co.
Participants
- National and International Investors
- Venture Capital & Private Equity Firms
- Trade Attachés and Embassy Representatives
- Ternate and Tidore Islands: City Government and Diaspora
- Ministries, Government Agencies, and State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN)
- Business Associations, Cooperatives, and MSMEs
- Business and Economic Media
Agenda
Documentation
Material documents for this event can be reach here [E-Library]