Praying for Indonesia

Join the movement!

  • Pray 4 Ramadan
  • About Indonesia
    • Overview of Indonesia
    • Quick Facts About Indonesia
    • The Islands of Indonesia
    • Indonesia: Think Big!
    • News
  • Religion in Indonesia
    • Overview of Religions
    • Christianity In Indonesia
    • Buddhism in Indonesia
    • Hinduism in Indonesia
    • Islam in Indonesia
    • Folk Islam In Indonesia
  • Ethnic Groups
    • The People of Bali and Nusa Tenggara
    • The People of Java
    • The People of Kalimantan
    • The People of Maluku
    • The People of Sulawesi
    • The People of Sumatra
  • Testimonies
  • Get Involved
    • Prayer Resources
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / Ethnic Groups / The People of Maluku / Who are the Geser-Gorom?

Who are the Geser-Gorom?

The Geser-Gorom people live on Gorom island and the East end of neighboring Seram island. Both islands are in Maluku Province. The name “Geser-Gorom” (literally, “slide over to Gorom”) reveals a deeper meaning.

Each ethno-linguistic group on Seram Island has its own name. However all of the people living in Seram are sometimes collectively called the Alifuru (“Original People”). Seram itself is frequently called Nusa Ina (“Mother Island”). So, the name “Geser-Gorom” reflects the belief that they are a portion of the original people of the world who “slid over” to the East to neighboring Gorom island.

The Geser-Gorom language is part of a larger language group called the Banda-Geser. It also includes the Banda, Bati and Watubela languages. The Geser-Gorom language has three dialects: Gorom Laut, Mina Mina Gorom, and Kelimuri.

What are their lives like?

Farming and fishing are the two main livelihoods of the Geser-Gorom. Crops include rice, sago palm, and coconuts. Rice and sago form the main staple. Historically, the Geser-Gorom were famous for their “Kabasa” ceremony, revering the spirits believed to influence the harvest.

The Geser-Gorom practice a patrilineal extended family system, and newly married couples usually live near the husband’s extended family. Fathers typically lead the family and are expected to provide living needs. Wives typically take care of children, cook, and do other household duties.

A king is assisted by a council of leaders. The Council is composed of the customary chief, Soa leaders (landlords who solve the problems of inheritance and land disputes), the security chief, and the interpreter of news. Since the time of the Japanese occupation in World War II, the system of leadership has started to disappear. Nuclear families function as the basic social unit in Geser-Gorom society.

What are their beliefs?

The Geser-Gorom are Muslim. Down through the generations they have applied a mixture of Islamic and tribal law. Alongside orthodox Islam, the Geser-Gorom have animistic and mystical beliefs.

What are their needs?

On a small scale, the Geser-Gorom need to be acquainted with appropriate technology. They also need more opportunities to improve their work skills. Improving the quality of both formal and informal education could have great value for Geser-Gorom society.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Get This FREE Prayer Guide!

Download this Free book today and also get prayer updates!

* indicates required

Newest Tweets

Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

Sari was praying for more people to meet the Savior and be baptized at the place she was baptized. In the last two months, there are 5 more people who were baptized at the same place. Pray for more people like Sari who have been faithful after she met the Savior. pic.twitter.com/GAHu…

reply retweet favorite
10:00 pm · May 17, 2022
Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

About 2 million Buddhists in Indonesia – 0.8% of the population are celebrating Waisak (Vesak) today to commemorate the birth, death and enlightenment of the Buddha when he discovered life’s meaning. Pray for more Buddhist Indonesians encounter with the Savior. pic.twitter.com/WTJh…

reply retweet favorite
10:00 pm · May 16, 2022
Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 Pray for the unbelievers: -To see God as their loving Heavenly Father. -To know and accept the perfect love of the Savior pic.twitter.com/e4NT…

reply retweet favorite
3:00 am · May 16, 2022
Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

Riau’s capital Pekanbaru, is a province on the island of Sumatra with a population of 6.5 million. It's one of Indonesia’s richest provinces with significant natural resources. Most are fishermen or farmers with 10% are believers. Pray for Riau people encounter with the Savior pic.twitter.com/A0nh…

reply retweet favorite
1:30 am · May 15, 2022
Twitter
praying4indonesia
praying4indonesia
@ipray4indonesia

Sumi was baptized recently despite of challenges from her family. She shared that salvation is only from Christ and led her other family members in receiving the gift of salvation. Praise the Lord that Sumi’s courage and boldness has been fruitful and expanded God’s Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/S9MP…

reply retweet favorite
3:00 am · May 14, 2022
Follow @ipray4indonesia

Praying For Indonesia Facebook

Praying for Indonesia

Copyright © 2010–2022 · Praying For Indonesia · Privacy Policy · About Us