The East Indonesian region has historically been the center of world attention from the 17th century until approximately the end of the 18th century. Sandalwood, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and mace or mace became very expensive commodities on the international market in Europe at that time. But since the Dutch chose Java Island as their political and economic center, this area has been a region that has continued to experience political and economic marginalization until the early decades of the 21st century.