Spice Research Team of INUCoST, Faculty of Biology, UGM, Undertakes Exploration in East Kalimantan

The spice research team WP (Work Package) 2, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. in the INUCoST (Indonesia-Netherlands Universities Consortium for Sustainable Futures) platform, has been exploring spices in East Kalimantan. The initial phase of the spice exploration focused on the buffer zone of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), including the Samarinda City and four districts in Penajam Paser Utara Regency. The exploration, conducted from July 30 to August 3, 2025, collaborated with lecturers and researchers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mulawarman University, and coordinated with the research team from Leiden University, Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Paul Kessler and Roderick Boumann.

The spice exploration on the first day began with a visit to the Wanariset Herbarium in Samboja subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara district. During the visit, discussions were held, and spice specimens from the herbarium collection were recorded. These activities provided a wealth of information about spices and traditional medicinal plants used by the people of Kalimantan. This information was crucial as initial data for spice exploration, particularly in East Kalimantan. Spice documentation is conducted by observing the herbarium’s various collections, including dried specimens, spirit specimens, and living collections planted around the area. Additionally, the team had the opportunity to directly observe and study the drying process of specimens for the herbarium collection.

A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held with partners and relevant agencies to initiate the exploration of spices in the city of Samarinda, East Kalimantan. Attendees included Mr. Rahmadona, a representative of the Dayak tribe, the Forestry Department of East Kalimantan, the Nature Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of East Kalimantan, the Dean and Vice Dean of Mulawarman University, and the Research and Community Service Institute (LP2M) of Mulawarman University. The FGD began with a presentation by the spice team leader, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., on the definition of spices, global spice distribution routes, and an explanation of the spice project of INUCoST Work Package 2 being implemented in East Kalimantan. The session continued with a discussion on spice diversity in East Kalimantan. The discussion outcomes were used to gather initial data on the diversity of spices existing in East Kalimantan.

The survey and data collection on spices were done by visiting various traditional markets, starting with Loa Janan and Subuh traditional markets in Kutai Kartanegara regency; Pandansari, Buton, and Inpres traditional markets in Balikpapan; and Petung and Penajam Central traditional markets in Penajam Paser Utara regency. Additionally, the team conducted surveys at several traditional herbal medicine vendors, such as herbs sellers in Argomulyo village, Sepaku sub-district, and Dapur Sehat in Waru sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara. The spice research team also had the opportunity to visit the home gardens of Paser ethnic group residents in Paser sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara. Some spices successfully documented from the Paser ethnic group include Bonglai, or Mango Ginger (Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr.), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle), and Kecombrang, or torch ginger (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.), which were found growing abundantly in the residents’ yards.

The entire spice exploration program was successfully implemented. A total of 53 spice specimens were collected during the exploration. The specimens were then collected and preserved in both spirit and dry preservation at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The list of spices and the specimens obtained represent crucial information for understanding the richness of Indonesia’s native spice diversity and its distribution. (MSR)