Abstract: Based on the previous studies of plate evolution and the analysis of regional geological characteristics in the North Seram Basin, Indonesia, the basin evolution was divided into four stages, i.e. the Early Triassic initial rifting, the Middle Triassic–Middle Jurassic rifting, the Late Jurassic–Middle Miocene passive continental margin, and the Late Miocene–Quaternary thrusting. Then, the control of tectonic evolution during different stages over hydrocarbon accumulation conditions was discussed in order to provide references for the exploration in the Banda Arc area. Affected by the Mesozoic tectonic activities, the North Seram Basin experienced the sedimentary evolution from carbonate ramp to platform during the rifting stage, and major source rock in the Upper Triassic–Middle Jurassic Saman Saman Formation was developed under the control of the paleotectonic framework to distribute in the restricted platform during the rifting stage. The favorable Manusela Formation carbonate reservoirs developed during this stage on the highs in the south of the basin are the primary exploration targets. The tectonic activities during the thrusting stage led to the differences in thermal evolution of source rocks, and influenced the trap types and their distribution in tectonic belts. Moreover, the reactivated faults and micro-fractures improved the physical properties of the carbonate reservoirs, and constituted the main hydrocarbon migration pathways together with the Pliocene unconformity.

Key words: control, hydrocarbon accumulation conditions, tectonic evolution, the North Seram Basin, Indonesia