Description of VOC's Maluku Right to Cut Spices

Description of VOC's Maluku Right to Cut Spices

The VOC put in place a number of policies to maintain a trade monopoly in Maluku. The ability to remove anyone's spice plants is one of them. Extirpation is the name for this privilege.

The VOC erected its first trading center with a location in Banten in 1603, which was the beginning of the VOC monopoly; nonetheless, the trade center was deemed unproductive because it had to compete with the EIC.

The VOC thereupon focused their emphasis to Maluku. The VOC navy formed an alliance with the indigenous Maluku emperors in 1605.

Maluku's Monopoly Trade in VOCs

1. Verplichte leverantie: required that all produce be sold to the VOC at a price set by the VOC.

2. Contingent: requiring local residents whose properties were under VOC control to turn in their farm and garden produce in person.

3. Extirpation: The VOC's authority to remove any person's spices. The intention is to prevent excessive output from driving down spice prices.

4. Hongitochten (Hongi journey) is the practice of using warships to monitor and enforce the VOC's trade monopoly. Hongitochten (Hongi journey) is the practice of using warships to monitor and enforce the VOC's trade monopoly.