Many areas in the land of Papua have interesting stories and amazing histories. It also includes Fakfak, one of the regencies in West Papua. Fakfak is one of the oldest regencies that exist here. So, it is no wonder many people are curious about facts about Fakfak.
This is because Fakfak has a lot of stories to tell. Starting from an economic to a religious perspective. Aside from that, the history of Fakfak is also mind-blowing, even from prehistoric times. So, here are the facts that you should know about Fakfak!
1. Had Become the Most Important Port City in The Land of Papua in the Past
Fakfak, formerly known as the Onin Peninsula, is one of the regions in the land of Papua with a very strategic location. This region is directly adjacent to the Arafura Sea, Seram Sea, and Berau Bay. Geographically, Fakfak is also close to other cities outside Papua Island, for example, Ambon City.
Because the location is very strategic, it is not surprising that Fakfak has become the most important port city in Papua in the past. This area was the center of trade between the Papuan people and outsiders. Either it is the traders from the Nusantara, Arabic, India, etc.
2. The Entry Gateway of Abrahamic Religion to The Land of Papua
Because it is the center of contact with outsiders, it is not surprising that religion entered the land of Papua through Fakfak. Especially, Abrahamic religions like Islam and Christianity. Another interesting fact is that several Islamic Empires in Papua were located in Fakfak in the past.
3. Has A Very High Tolerance Level
The majority of religion in Fakfak is Islam, but there are also many Christians. Aside from the Abrahamic religions, some people embrace Dharmic religions like Hinduism and Buddha. However, there has never been a religious conflict because the people are very tolerant.
In addition, the people who live in Fakfak also come from various races and ethnicities. Not only native tribes of Papua, but some outsiders migrated here. Either it is from Java, Maluku, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Arab descent, and Chinese descent.
4. Has a Very Meaningful Motto
Because of this kind of diversity, the motto of the Fakfak Regency is very meaningful. The motto is “Satu Tungku Tiga Batu”. It means “One Furnace Three Stones”. The word “Satu Tungku” or “One Furnace” means life. While the word “Tiga Batu” or “Three Stones” means you, me, and them.
The philosophy behind this motto is that despite having different backgrounds in life, everyone is still a person from Fakfak.
5. Nutmeg is Their Pride
When talking about Fakfak, it is not complete if you not talk about nutmeg. This is because the Fakfak nutmeg is very popular. Not only regionally but even at the international level. Nutmeg is one of the main commodities of the Fakfak Regency.
In ancient times, Fakfak was very advanced because of the nutmeg trade. Even now, Fakfak contributes up to 70% of nutmeg production in Indonesia. So, it is no wonder that nutmeg became one of the pride of the Fakfak people.
6. Prehistoric and Historic Site Paradise in the Land of Papua
If you like history and archeology, Fakfak is one of the places you need to visit. Because here, you can find many historical sites, even from the Neolithic era. Starting from the Tapurarang Site, the Patimburak Old Mosque, to the remnants of the Pacific war.
So, those are amazing facts about Fakfak that you should know. Because basically, Fakfak is a region that has a lot of interesting stories. Be it from an economic perspective, religious point of view, culture, and long history.
