Behind the magnificent sight of Kei and Aru as the parts of Maluku, there are traces of the past trade that are worth our time. Looking back, Aru and Kei were two popular islands that formed the trade route to Banda. More than a trade route, these islands were involved in the distribution of spices and formed trade routes that we now call Jalur Rempah or the Spice Routes. 

Located in the east of the Banda Islands, Aru and Kei traders sailed to Banda through the south part of the Banda Sea. The exchanges of commodities became a common thing to do in the past. Kei and Aru traders who came to Banda, carrying sago which was essential for the Bandanese, became one example. Further, sago was also the primary means of payment. They then exchanged sago with coarse woven fabric and textiles. The two last things were the products of exchange the Bandanese got from exchanging spices with Javanese and Malay traders. 

Kei and Aru traders were popular for their boat trades with the Bandanese. The Bandanese bought the boats to sail within the short route to Kei and Aru to barter the staple. Through the traditional trade between them, they eventually formed a strong bond. 

In addition to sago and boats, Kei and Aru traders carried other commodities, like golds and other luxury goods, such as dried parrots and cenderawasih, as known as the bird of paradise. Again, Bandanese exchanged these luxury goods with textiles they got from the spice trade with Chinese traders. These luxury goods kept moving until they ended up in the hand of Persians and Turkish. 

What happened next between Kei and Aru Islands and Persia and Turkey? Check out the video below to find out about the role Aru and Kei played within the spice trade in the past.