Sorong grew so fast that it became a tourist magnet as we know it today. Unfortunately, few people are aware of the other charms of the thriving city besides its tourism potential. Here are five important facts about Sorong that you may not know:
1. Sorong is a Window into West Papua’s Growth
When we look back on the last decade, Sorong has grown rapidly from a city in the middle of nowhere into a metropolis. It is not without reason, though. Interestingly, several factors contributed to this growth.
First, the success is attributed to the strategic location of the city. Sorong is a coastal city where it is next to water traffic lanes. Also, Sorong has abundant natural resources, one of which is petroleum (we will talk about it soon).
Finally, the relentless support from the central government also explains the phenomenon. In particular, President Joko Widodo designated Sorong as a National Strategic Area in 2020. This policy sped Sorong’s economic growth to 9.6% higher than its neighboring cities at that time.
2. Sorong is the Top Oil Producer in Eastern Indonesia
And that is why Sorong is also recognized as the City of Oil. In 1935, a Dutch oil company Nederlands Nieuw-Guinea Petroleum Maatschappij (NNPGM), ran the first oil drilling in the city. Particularly, Klamono, a district in Sorong, was the center of this activity.
In addition, Sorong is also rich in other mining products, such as natural gas, coal, and coal. Thanks to this, many domestic and international giants are interested in investing in the region. Several prospective investors are seen wandering the Sorong to map out their plans.
This launched Sorong not only as a tourist magnet but also as an investment magnet. In the long term, it will also have a significant impact on Sorong’s people, such as creating countless job opportunities.
3. It is Heaven to Experience Multiculturalism
If you are looking for a place to experience great food and culture on your next vacation, Sorong might be the perfect destination. It is the home of many tribes with diverse traditions and festivals. Some notable ones are the Moi, Kilim, and Klasa, with the Moi being the dominant one.
While in some places, diversity may lead to chaos, all you can find in Sorong is peace. The tribes live side by side in harmony with the immigrants from all over Indonesia. As a result, your visit to Sorong will be an unforgettable one.
For a taste of Moi, plan a trip to the southern part of Sorong. If you are lucky, you can witness Masangkede, a traditional way of the Moi to light a fire. You can also try Sago, a local staple you cannot find anywhere else.
4. Sorong has Plenty of Hidden, Lovely Beaches
We may all know about Raja Ampat and its radiant underwater life, but Sorong is more than that. It has many secluded beaches that are perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Tanjung Kasuari, for example, is the best place in Sorong to relax and recharge. Rows of coconut trees nod whenever a cool breeze surrounds the beach. The crashing waves will be music to your ears, and the sunset on the horizon is a masterpiece.
On the other hand, the Berlin Wall, which has nothing to do with the real Berlin Wall, provides an alternative for those looking for vibrant nightlife. Sorong youths frequent the beach because it makes a beautiful backdrop.
Experience the City on the Firsthand
Keeping a check on Sorong’s ins and outs is tough; we get that. That is exactly why we put together this list to help you keep up with the metropolitan’s constant changes.
So, what do you think about these important facts about Sorong? Hopefully, they will convince you even more, to fall in love and, eventually, experience the city firsthand soon.
