Maroke vs. Kalimantan: A Comparison of Two Indonesian Regions

Within Indonesian oud itself there are region names that connoisseurs know, and among the most prominent are Maroke (from the Papua region in eastern Indonesia) and Kalimantan (from the island of Borneo). In this comparison — the first of the Indonesian-region comparisons — we place the two regions across the axes of scent, quality, price, and use, in a fair language that shows these are fine differences governed by taste and grade, not by the name alone.

At a glance

The table describes general tendencies that connoisseurs know; and within each region there are widely varying grades.

Where does each of them come from?

"Maroke" is a name given to oud from the Merauke area and its surroundings in the Papua region, the far east of Indonesia. As for "Kalimantan," it is the oud of the island of Borneo from the Indonesian side (Kalimantan), which is among the most famous Indonesian oud regions and the widest in presence in the market. And the two regions are geographically far apart within the wide archipelago, and so oud connoisseurs tend to distinguish their two characters.

But this distinction remains within the single Indonesian oud, so its differences are finer than the differences between two countries. And most importantly, within each region there are varying grades, for a fine Kalimantan may surpass an ordinary Maroke and vice versa.

Scent: fine differences

Oud connoisseurs tend to describe Maroke as relatively rich and deep, and Kalimantan as clean, sweet, and balanced-woody. But these are descriptions of general tendencies, not rules, and within each region there is a wide spectrum. And so a Maroke may approach the character of Kalimantan and vice versa, according to the tree, the grade, and the processing.

And the most honest judgment remains with your nose: for the experience of the specific piece reveals its true character more than the name of the region. And so we advise the sample when comparing between two Indonesian regions, because the differences here are finer than those between countries.

Quality and price

Quality in the two regions is measured by the same standards: the richness in resin, the grade, whether the oud sinks or not, and the processing. And quality is not determined by the region alone; for each region has high grades and others ordinary. And Kalimantan is among the most available regions, which provides varied price options, while the high grades of Maroke are sought after in collectors' circles.

And so it is not correct to say that a region is "finer" absolutely; rather the correct question is: what is the grade of this piece exactly, and from where, and does it sink or not?

Which do you choose?

If you want a clean, sweet, balanced character and wide choices in price and grade, then Kalimantan is a spacious choice suited to daily burning. And if you are looking for a richer, deeper character for collection and occasions, then Maroke in its high grades may attract you. And the most honest is to try a sample of each, for the difference is fine and settled by your nose.

And we at Oud Treasure offer Indonesian oud from its various regions, and we state the region of each piece and its grade honestly. And in the following comparison we place Maroke against the Sumatran.