Ambonese

The term "Ambonese" refers to the ethnolinguistic group primarily inhabiting the island of Ambon in Indonesia, as well as nearby areas. They are predominantly of Melanesian descent. The Ambonese people speak a language related to Timorese, which functions as a regional lingua franca and is part of the Indonesian language family, incorporating many Portuguese and Dutch loanwords.12

Historically, the island of Ambon was a significant center for the clove trade, attracting Portuguese and later Dutch influence. Many Ambonese were educated in Christian schools and served in the Dutch administration and army. Following Indonesian independence, a movement for an independent South Maluccan Republic emerged among the Ambonese, which was ultimately suppressed. The population is religiously diverse, with a majority being Protestant Christians and a significant Muslim minority.13