Tabea! Nusu Mae di Ruma Tau Mailoko oo!

Maluku, the ‘Thousand Islands’ region known for its spices, brings diverse ethnicities and cultural richness into the embrace of the archipelago. The Ambon, Nuaulu, Kei, Tanimbar, Buru, Banda, dan Kisar tribes inhabit this province, consisting of major islands such as Seram, Buru, Yamdena, and Wetar, as well as smaller groups of islands like Ambon, Lease, Banda, Kei, and Aru. In terms of culinary delights, prepare to be indulged with tempting spice-infused dishes like Papeda, Sambal Colo-colo, Ikan Kuah Pala Banda, Kohu-kohu, and many other dishes made from sago flour.

The Maluku pavilion at TMII showcases the Baileo House, a place for community discussions and gatherings that reflects the unity between two ancestral groups in Maluku, which are Pata Siwa and Pata Lima. The philosophy of Siwalima serves as the foundation of life for the people of Maluku that is evident in the number of pillars in the Baileo structure, consisting of nine (siwa) pillars in the front and back, and five (lima) pillars on both the left and right sides of the Baileo.

The diversity of Maluku’s art and cultural objects can be found in the Gallery of Featured Products and Arts & Culture, ranging from traditional clothing of Maluku, Ambon wedding attire, Tanimbar wedding attire, Captain’s attire, and Nae Baileo attire. Additionally, there are traditional weapons such as machetes and Salawaku (shields); traditional musical instruments such as Tifa, Totobuang, Tahuri and Suling; replicas of eucalyptus oil distillers; Tanimbar ikat weaving tools; as well as various crafts made from cloves, pearls and seashells.

The Maluku pavilion also presents the Latu House or Raja House (village head). With a square shape, this house has a porch for receiving male guests, a central space for receiving female guests, a bedroom, and a rear area serving as a kitchen, a dining room, and a sitting space.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since ancient times, Maluku has been widely known for its cloves and nutmeg. Like treasures, these spices were sought after by the entire world, from the Portuguese, Spanish, English, to the Dutch. From the trade of these spices, back then, the people of Maluku could even acquire rare clothing materials, silk, and porcelain or ceramics.