Geser-Gorom in Indonesia

The Geser-Gorom have only been reported in Indonesia
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

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 (like the Wemale, Alune, Baulu and Lumoli peoples). However all the people living in Seram are sometimes collectively called the Alifuru (literally, "Original People"). Seram itself is frequently called Nusa Ina (literally, "Mother Island"). So, the name "Geser-Gorom" reflects the belief that they are the 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 linguistic grouping called the Banda-Geser which also includes the Banda, Bati and Watubela. 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, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, legumes, 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 each family and are expected to provide living needs. Wives typically take care of children, cooking and other household duties. A king is assisted by a council leader called Badan Saniri Negeri (Saniri Domestic Agencies). The Council is composed of the customary chief, Soa leaders (landlords who served to overcome the problem of inheritance and land disputes), Kawang (security chief) and Marinyo (interpreter of news). Since the time of Japanese occupation in World War II, the system of leadership is starting to disappear. Nuclear families function as the basic social unit in Geser-Gorom society.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Geser-Gorom hold to Islam. Down through the generations they have applied a mixture of Islamic and tribal law. Alongside orthodox Islam, the Geser-Gorom continue in 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.


Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Geser-Gorom in Indonesia.


Profile Source:   IPN, 2011   Copyrighted ©   Used with permission  

People Name General Geser-Gorom
People Name in Country Geser-Gorom
Alternate Names Gesa; Geser Gorom; Geser-Goram; Seram
Population this Country 37,000
Population all Countries 37,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 0  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 11874
ROP3 Code 103309
ROP25 Code 302655
ROP25 Name Geser-Gorom
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 42  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Maluku Province, Seram island, southeast tip, nearby Gorom islands.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 42  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Maluku Province, Seram island, southeast tip, nearby Gorom islands..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Map of Geser-Gorom in Indonesia Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
2.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
98.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Geser-Gorom
Language Code ges   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Geser-Gorom
Language Code ges   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Geser-Gorom

Primary Language:  Geser-Gorom

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group location: WLMS. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source IPN, 2011  Copyrighted ©  Used with permission 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



Joshua Project logo    Joshua Project    Copyright © 2024