Seram
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Missing image Ceram_tpc_1967.jpg Seram and Ambon Islands (Operational Navigation Chart, 1967) Not for navigational use |
Missing image Tulehu.png View from a boat towards Tulehu, on the North Seram coast |
Seram (formerly Ceram, also called Seran or Serang) is an island in the Maluku province of Indonesia. It is located north of Ambon Island. The chief port/town is Masohi.
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Geography
- Area: approx. 17,100 kmē (6,600 sq mi)
- Size: approx. 340 km (210 mi) long and 60 km (40 mi) wide
- Highest point: Mt. Binaiyi, 3,019 m (9,905 ft)
Seram is traversed by a central mountain range, the highest point of which is covered with dense rain forests. Copra, resin, sago, and fish are important products. Oil is exploited in the northeast near Bula.
History
In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Seram was generally within the sphere of influence of Ternate, although it was often ruled more directly by the Ternaten vassal state of Buru. Portuguese missionaries were active there in the 16th century. Dutch trading posts were opened in the early 17th century, and the island came under nominal Dutch control c. 1650. In the 1780s, Seram provided a key base of support for Prince Nuku of Tidore's long-running rebellion against Dutch rule.
Religion
Most of the people here are either of the Animist, Muslim or Christian faith. However, the Manusela tribe follow a syncretic form of Hinduism.