Seram

Seram is a name used for a large island in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, as well as a Malay/Indonesian word meaning something that causes fear. The island of Seram is part of Maluku province. It lies in the eastern part of Indonesia and is known for its rugged interior, volcanic peaks, and dense rainforest. The Manusela National Park, located on Seram, protects a representative range of the island’s biodiversity.

Population and culture: Seram is home to several indigenous groups, notably the Alune and Manusela, as well as other communities. Local languages belong to the Seram languages group within the Austronesian family; Indonesian is widely spoken as the national language. Traditional livelihoods include agriculture, fishing, and forest resources; crafts and markets are common in coastal towns.

History and administration: Seram has a long history of contact with traders from across Asia and Europe during the spice trade era and was influenced by Portuguese and Dutch colonial presence before becoming part of Indonesia. Today the island is administered as part of Maluku Province, with several districts and towns.

Seram in language: In Indonesian and Malay, seram means eerie or frightening, and is used colloquially to describe something that inspires fear or unease.