The capital of Papua can never get separation from the present; the past is history; as our first President, Ir. Soekarno once remarked, “Never leave history behind.” Similarly, history in the Jayapura Regency.
From the city to the districts, you may discover numerous types of heritage or historical treasures. After that, teach your kids about them while traveling around. This article can address, but not go into detail about, heritage in Jayapura Regency, including the following:
McArthur’s Monument
The capital of Papua contains several anecdotes regarding World War II’s Pacific War. One of them is a narrative about General Douglas MacArthur. He was a prominent US general with nickname of “Jump the Frog” military strategy during the Pacific War. This took place from 1941 to 1945.
A Short Story Behind the McArthur Monument
In the face of the Japanese army, General McArthur established his headquarters on the summit of Ifar Gunung. It is today part of the Sentani District, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province.
After arriving in Humboldt Bay or Hamadi Bay on April 22, 1944, Allied forces constructed a base at Ifar Gunung. The McArthur monument was established by Allied soldiers. The soldiers was led by General Douglas MacArthur, who won the fight against Japanese fascism in World War II.
World War II Allied Oil Tanks
Other historical artifacts in the capital of Papua include World War II Allied Oil Tanks found in the Depapre District; these tanks are quite large and exist in a variety of locations. You can find 26 tanks in total.
A Short Story Behind the Allied Oil Tanks of World War II
When the Allies fought the Japanese army, this tank was useful for storing fuel and ammunition. You may discover this tank on the left side of the road on our route to Tablanusu Beach. While on the right side of the road on our trip to Amay Beach. This beach has renovated by the government so it looks better than before.
Japanese Army Landing Monument
In addition to the allied forces’ artifacts, the Japanese Army Landing Monument has completed its construction in Kwase Village, Nimboran District.
A Short Story Behind the Japanese Army Landing Monument
This memorial got its establishment to remember the deaths of Japanese troops in this region. The troops were previously buried in mass graves by the townspeople. Almost every year, Japanese tourists come to this place for pilgrimage. There was once a plan by their relatives in Japan to take their relatives’ remains and return them to their country of origin. Unfortunately, they are always maintained by the local community because it has become part of the Nimboran people’s history.
Tutari Megalithic Site
The Tutari Megalithic Monument is a megalithic (or big stone age) ancient site. The location is a rock formed like a head and neck in Doyo Lama Village, Waibu District.
A Short Story Behind the Tutari Megalithic Site
These are famous as Ondoafi rocks. There are four of them to represent the four old tribes of Doyo Lama. There are the Ebe, Pangkatana, Wali, and Yapo tribes. On the stones, there are engraved depictions of the events that they witnessed from a particular perspective. It got separated into numerous segments, namely:
(1) Stones from Lake Sentani with animal images (telling the catch or livelihoods of the prehistoric community of Kampung Doyo).
(2) Stone with Bracelets (telling about people’s assets to pay a fine or dowry).
(3) Batu Ondofolo (telling the story of Ondofolo, the tribal chief who was turned into stone).
(4) Stone line men and women (as a cemetery symbol).
So, those are some recommended heritages in the capital of Papua that you can travel around with your kids. You can also teaching them about their history. By doing this, you and your kids can achieve not only travel pleasures but also some important lessons from the past.
