When talking about a place with natural wonder and beautiful places in the eastern part of Indonesia, chance that you (visitors) will visit natural tourist spots. It happens in west Papua, where the beautiful coral triangle is nestled in its water. But there is more to offer, including a range of historical landmarks. You can learn ancient life, religion, from the older indigenous generation.
Some Historical Sites You Will Need To Visit
1. Teluk Doreri
Underneath the beautiful place and rich marine biodiversity, Teluk Doreri is a place with a strong historical phenomenon. Many people that visit this area mostly focus on what they see inside the rich marine kingdom. Beautiful underwater biotas, coral, fishes, and habitat has turned the bay into one of the best diving spots in the region.
However, when you dive enough and go to the proper sites, are likely to witness the iconic sunken warship from the World war II era. The sinking shipwreck was one of the attractions for divers. It should be a sight to see during your visit. Not to mention that Doreri bay is also a location with an array of corals. It might not be the major area but still beautiful to see.
2. Ancient Site Kokas Or Tapurarang
West Papua islands also have some authentic and exotic ancient heritages. Most of them have similarities, tons of wall paintings and handprints on the cliff wall. However, the most apparent one is on the Tapurarang or Kokas. Red dyed handprints are splayed across the cliff and cave close to water.
Locals have been considering the place as a sacred area with some devastating stories. All goes to the fact that the red dye resembles blood. The red dye also appears in many other paintings, such as pictures of sea and land products, animals, human faces, and many more. It has a unique painting technique, so the ink stay long till now.
3. Old Town In Doom Island
Located close to the largest city in the region, you can find an old town in Dum or Doom island. The island has much historical significance that tells the unspoken story during the Japanese and Dutch colonization era. Tons of building with Dutch architecture are still standing. It was an island where the dutch government reside before expanding it are to West Papua.
4. Mansinam Island
An island with a strong religious history to visit is Mansinam island. It is an island with a profuse sense of Christen Protestantism because Mansinam is where everything begins. Based on history, two German pastors came to the island to teach and spread religion. Ottow and Geissler were the pastors that had to face the indigenous tribe, Numfor.
Both did not stop to make a change and eventually spread their religion to the locals. Not only religion, but the two people also teach and educate the locals. But with their strong head and motivation, the two have become huge role on the island. Owning monuments, making Mansinam the gospel island, and people celebrate 5 February to commemorate Ottow and Geissler’s arrival.
5. Hidayatullah Saonek Mosque
Aside from Kristian, some places show the strong influence of Islam in the region. Masjid Hidayatullah Saonek is one of the old and historical place in Raja Ampat. It was established in 1505. The west Papua mosque was a silent witness of Habib Rafana. His name is immortalized as the road’s name leading to this massive and beautiful mosque building.
6. Al-Yasin Mosque
Also known as the masjid tua Patimburak or old mosque Patimburak, Al Yasin was described as the first place where Islam came inside Fak Fak. The mosque was brought to the island in 1606 through Tidore kingdom expansion. Tidore king during that era, Sultan Bacan, asked locals to follow Islam. It was mostly because locals were mostly animistic. But, after that, some people from shore turn into Islam.
From the old history document, the mosque has been standing for more than 100 years. It is also one of the oldest mosques in FakFak and the center of Islam during the Abuhari Kilian era. There are also stories about the mosque, including its ability to stand despite being bombarded during Japanese colonization.
7. Abubakar Sidik Mosque
The oldest mosque in the region is situated in Rumbati village, Fakafak, West Papua. Masjid Abubakar Sidik was built in 1524 as a massive architecture that can fit more than 2.000 people inside. Since it is old, the design is pretty simple with blue and white color. However, it also has unique architecture on a beach.
The seven sites mentioned in this article are some of the iconic places you can find in the western part of Papua. The places are coming with a different stories, ideas, and historically significant. That is why you can learn a lot by visiting the place. It explains that the region is more than just a marine recreation area. It also has a historical aspect that is worth visiting.
