Saturday, 26 September 2026
Tidore is a beautiful island in North Maluku with a long history, rich culture, and strong connections with Spain. Today, those historical connections are also creating opportunities for cooperation in tourism, infrastructure, transportation, and fisheries.
Spain and Tidore have a special connection that goes back hundreds of years. In the 16th century, a Spanish expedition led by Juan Sebastian El Cano stopped in Tidore and bought spices from local communities. This history is still remembered today and has become part of the relationship between Tidore and Spain.
Because of this connection, Tidore has been promoted to Spanish tourists and businesses. A tourism and cultural delegation from Ternate and Tidore visited Spain to introduce destinations in North Maluku and highlight the historical relationship between Spain and the region.
Spain and Tidore Share Historical Connections
The historical relationship between Spain and Tidore can still be seen through several landmarks. The Spanish Embassy in Jakarta built a monument in Tidore to remember the El Cano expedition. There are also historical structures connected to European activity in the region, including Torre Fort in Tidore and other forts in Ternate.
These historical attractions can become part of tourism development in Tidore. Spanish visitors can explore the island while learning about the history of the spice trade and the relationship between Indonesia and Spain.
Investment Opportunities in Tidore
Tourism is not the only area that can attract Spanish interest. The Indonesian Embassy in Madrid also invited Spanish infrastructure investment consultants to visit Ternate and Tidore to look at possible investment opportunities.
Several sectors were highlighted. One was tourism infrastructure, including resorts. Another was sea transportation, such as ports and passenger boat construction. Fisheries were also included, particularly the possibility of developing fish-canning factories.
These sectors are important because Tidore is an island destination. Better tourism facilities and transportation could make it easier for visitors to explore the area. At the same time, investment in fisheries could support local economic activities.
Tourism Could Support Local Development
Tidore has more than historical attractions. The area also offers natural beauty, cultural traditions, and maritime tourism. Spanish tour operators showed interest in local cultural events and traditions, as well as the underwater attractions around North Maluku.
For investors, these attractions can create opportunities for hotels, resorts, tourism services, transportation, and other supporting businesses.
The relationship between Indonesia and Spain has also developed beyond tourism. Indonesia and Spain have discussed stronger cooperation in trade and investment, while Spanish companies have been encouraged to explore opportunities in Indonesia.
A New Opportunity for Tidore
Tidore’s connection with Spain is more than an old story about the spice trade. It can also become a starting point for new cooperation.
With its history, natural attractions, maritime location, and local resources, Tidore has several areas that can be explored by international businesses. Spanish interest in tourism infrastructure, sea transportation, and fisheries shows that the island has potential beyond tourism alone.
For Tidore, cooperation with Spanish businesses could help introduce the island to a wider international audience while creating opportunities for local economic development. The combination of history, culture, nature, and investment potential makes Tidore an interesting place for future Indonesia-Spain cooperation.
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