Maluku

Maluku, commonly known as the Moluccas, is a province of Indonesia in the eastern part of the country. It comprises the Maluku Islands, a chain with rugged coastlines and rich marine life. The provincial capital is Ambon City. The region lies between Sulawesi to the west and Papua to the east, with connections across the Banda Sea.

The province includes major islands such as Ambon, Seram, and Buru, along with the Kei and Tanimbar island groups. It is administratively divided into several regencies and cities. The landscape ranges from rainforest highlands to coastal plains, and the economy is rooted in fishing, agriculture, and forestry.

Historically known as the Spice Islands for nutmeg, cloves, and mace, Maluku attracted European powers from the 16th century, including the Portuguese and the Dutch. After Indonesian independence, it became a province of Indonesia. The area experienced sectarian violence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, followed by peacebuilding efforts.

Maluku is ethnically diverse, with communities such as the Ambonese, Kei, and other Maluku groups. Indonesian is the official language, while local languages such as Ambonese Malay are spoken regionally. The population includes followers of Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, and traditional beliefs, reflecting a history of coastal trade and intercultural contact.

The economy centers on fisheries, farming, and forestry, with nutmeg and other spices historically significant. Tourism is growing, focusing on Ambon, Banda Islands, and marine biodiversity. Environmental challenges include deforestation and overfishing, prompting conservation and sustainable development initiatives.