--- title: "East Seram Regency" type: "AdministrativeArea" lang: "en" canonical: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/east-seram-regency" html_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/east-seram-regency" province: "Maluku" province_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/provinsi/maluku" area_km2: 5805.24 is_coastal: false neighbor_count: 2 rarity: "Rare" aliases: ["Seram Timur", "Kab. Seram Bagian Timur", "Kabupaten Seram Bagian Timur", "Kabupaten Seram Timur", "Seram Bagian Timur, Maluku"] wikidata: "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16569" published: "2026-01-22T03:59:12.224326+00:00" publisher: "GeoKepo" license: "Editorial content © GeoKepo. Cite the canonical URL." --- # East Seram Regency ## History ### History and Development of East Seram: The Eastern Gateway of Maluku East Seram Regency (SBT), officially established on December 18, 2003, based on Law No. 40 of 2003, is a region with very old and deep historical roots in the Maluku Islands. Spanning 5,805.24 km² in the eastern part of Seram Island, this region directly borders Central Maluku Regency to the west and has geographical and historical proximity to the Fakfak region in West Papua. #### Historical Roots and Colonial Era Long before the arrival of Europeans, the East Seram region, especially the Gorom and Geser areas, had been a crucial meeting point for the spice trade. Geser was known as "Little Singapore" in the past due to its role as an international transit port connecting traders from Arabia, China, and Bugis with producers of nutmeg and cloves. In the 17th century, the influence of the Tidore Sultanate was very strong in this region, especially through the *Uli* (traditional alliance) system of governance. However, the Dutch interest through the VOC triggered prolonged conflicts. One of the heroic events recorded was the people's resistance led by Kapitan Jonker (a military leader from Manipa who had influence in Seram) and later the struggle of Nuku from Tidore, who made the SBT region a base for defense and mobilization of forces against Dutch monopoly at the end of the 18th century. #### Era of Independence and Administrative Transition Following the proclamation of Indonesian independence in 1945, the people of East Seram firmly declared their integration into the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). This region was affected by the turmoil of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) in the 1950s, but local leaders remained loyal to safeguarding Indonesian sovereignty. Administratively, this region was initially part of Central Maluku Regency until it was finally expanded to accelerate the development of remote areas at the beginning of the reform era. #### Cultural Heritage and Local Identity The historical wealth of SBT is inseparable from the traditional culture of "Kalwedo" and the philosophy of "Ita Wotu Nusa" (We Build the Nation). Its people have a unique traditional structure in the form of *Negeri* (villages) led by a *Raja* (king). Cultural practices such as *Pukul Sapu* in some villages and the traditional *Tidore* dance reflect the cultural assimilation between the indigenous people of Seram and the influence of the North Maluku Sultanate. Another uniqueness is the existence of archaeological sites in the form of remnants of small forts and ancient graves of Islamic spreaders on Gorom Island, indicating this region as one of the early entry points of Islam in Maluku. #### Modern Development Today, East Seram is transforming into an energy and maritime center in Maluku. The presence of the oil industry in Bula, which has been explored since the Dutch era (the *Ceram Petroleum Maatschappij* company in 1897), continues to be a pillar of the national economy. The development of the Trans-Seram road infrastructure now connects SBT with neighboring regencies, ending historical isolation and strengthening its position as the strategic eastern doorstep of Maluku Province in the constellation of Indonesia's maritime economy. ## Contextual Analysis: East Seram in the Maluku Landscape East Seram (SBT) stands as a crucial geographical pillar at the eastern tip of Seram Island. With a land area of 5,805.24 km², this regency exceeds the average area of regencies/cities in Maluku, making it a vast space for future development. However, this extensive land presents an interesting demographic contrast. Although the average population density of Maluku is around 30 people/km², SBT has a unique population distribution challenge; its vast territory creates pockets of settlements separated by magnificent landscapes, giving an impression of exclusivity and tranquility rarely found in western Indonesia. Economically, SBT embodies the maritime and agrarian strength of Maluku. While the province relies on fisheries and plantations as its main drivers, SBT plays a specific role as a commodity granary. Its geographical position, directly bordering the Banda Sea and Seram Sea, makes it a strategic point for large-scale fisheries. Not only that, its rich soil supports nutmeg and clove plantations that have historically placed Maluku on the world map, contributing significantly to regional economic stability. In terms of tourism, Maluku's ranking at 33rd nationally indicates that the region, including SBT, is still a 'hidden gem.' SBT is not a mass tourism destination; it is a destination for those seeking authenticity. Compared to established main destinations, SBT offers the luxury of beautiful isolation. Its tourism potential is not measured by the number of visits, but by the depth of cultural experiences and the pristine condition of its underwater ecosystems, making it a strong candidate for exclusive ecotourism development in the future. ## Curator's Perspective: A Hidden Eastern Gem When researching East Seram, one fact that stands out is how this region functions as an 'ecological and cultural bridge' connecting the heart of Maluku to the gateway of Papua. However, what personally surprised me the most was the existence of Manusela National Park, a portion of which overlaps with this regency. The fact that SBT possesses biodiversity that includes the transition between Asian and Australian fauna gives an extraordinary scientific dimension behind its landscape beauty. I see SBT not just as a coordinate on a map, but as a living laboratory. Imagine a region that has oil wealth in Bula—one of Indonesia's oldest oil towns—yet on the other hand, maintains very strong traditional customs. The contrast between the extractive industry, which has existed since the colonial era, and the silence of its uninhabited beaches creates a very complex regional identity. For me, SBT is proof that industrial progress and nature conservation can coexist within the same geographical frame, as long as we can manage it with the local wisdom that has existed for centuries. This is a region that demands us to slow down and truly observe how nature works. ## GeoKepo Knowledge Hub Explore the rich geography and culture of the Maluku Islands further with our curated references. Here are regions and points of interest that are essential to understanding the full context of East Seram: ### 3 Maluku Regions to Explore Further: 1. **Banda Islands (Central Maluku):** The world's spice trade historical center and a cultural heritage site with strong historical ties to trade in the Seram Sea. 2. **Aru Islands:** A region with unique geographical characteristics, featuring thousands of small islands, similar to the coastal character of eastern SBT. 3. **Southeast Maluku (Kei):** A destination that serves as a benchmark for beach tourism in Maluku with its iconic white sand. ### 2 Popular POI (Point of Interest) Categories in East Seram: 1. **Marine Tourism and Island Clusters:** Exploring the underwater beauty around Koon Island, known as a natural 'fish market' due to its extraordinary marine life density. 2. **Historical Industrial Sites (Bula):** Tracing the history of the first oil drilling in Maluku, which shaped the social and economic structure of the East Seram region since the early 20th century.