Jere: A Thousand Years of Sacred Places and Worship Rituals on Tidore Island, Maluku Utara, Indonesia

SHIUNG Chung-Ching1* and Mahirta2

In North Maluku, Indonesia, the term Jere refers to sacred sites characterized by stone monoliths, rock enclosures, or ancient trees, serving as focal points for ancestral worship and pilgrimage. While often categorized as "megalithic," these structures typically feature smaller, clustered stones. Recent excavations in Mareku, Tidore, unearthed a significant rock feature dating back to the 10th century A.D., providing a glimpse of historical depth to the Jere tradition. However, the ritual practices appear to have shifted over time. The high concentration of decorated earthenware stoves at the excavated site suggests an ancient ritual association—possibly involving communal feasting or burnt offerings—that differs from contemporary practices. This study highlights the continuity of sacred landscapes while raising new questions about the evolving nature of Maluku’s ritual material culture.