Fakfak Regency, located in the western coastal area of Bomberai Peninsula in today’s West Papua Province, has witnessed human civilization progressed through millennia. Early settlers of this area dated back to the megalithic era marked their existence with intricate rock arts discovered on the wall of several caves in the Tapurarang Archaeological Site.
Archaeological data suggests that these early modern humans were the ancestors of Melanesian people, which then expanded their settlements throughout the region. During the existence of the Srivijaya Kingdom of Sumatra, historical accounts mentioned that Srivijayan monarchs would often present birds of paradise to the Emperor of China as a form of mutual respect, signaling Srivijaya sovereignty over the eastern region.
Ever since the Islamic kingdoms of Moluccan origins seized control of the area beginning in the 15th century (or even earlier), Islam has thrived and eventually became the predominant belief system in Fakfak and its’ neighboring cities and islands, leaving behind tangible archaeological remains influenced by Islamic traditions.
Islam in Fakfak, West Papua, and Its Archaeological Relics
Islam as a religion penetrated and integrated into Fakfak through various means. A major trade port since the pre-colonial era, South-East Asian and even Arabian Muslim merchants have long established trade deals with Fakfak inhabitants.
They brought along their beliefs and fulfilled their spiritual duties during their time docking in the region. Some of the merchants would also marry local women to gain easier access to trade nutmegs. When the Islamic Kingdoms from both Ternate and Tidore asserted their hegemony in the region, the appointed local kings and officials would, directly and indirectly, spread their faith in their jurisdiction.
Written accounts and archaeological findings suggested that Islam might have existed in Fakfak since the 15th century. King Ibrahim Bauw of Rumbati wrote in his personal journal that in 1502 Muslim communities were already present in Onin Peninsula.
Based on the geographical location, Islam likely entered the region through either Ternate or Tidore. In Rumbati itself, Islam might have thrived since before 1724 based on the debris of an ancient mosque. The 16th King of Rumbati mentioned that Islam entered Was in 1506 through a war between Rumbati and the Sultanate of Tidore.
Wertuar Kingdom might have embraced Islam during its 3rd king, King Waney, in 1576-1646. The first mosque of Wertuar, also thought to be the oldest in West Papua, was built in Patimburak during King Wertuar VI’s reign and finished in 1870 under King Wertuar VII.
One of the Islamic Kingdoms with widespread archaeological remains throughout Fakfak Regency is the Kingdom of Fatagar. In Danaweria Village, Central Fakfak District, lies the final resting place of Fatagar monarchs. Located approximately 47 meters east of Merapi Mosque, both King Fatagar I and King Fatagar II were buried in this royal cemetery.
Just outside the royal graves is a burial ground for the Imams of the mosque. The mosque itself was originally built in 1883 by the decree of King Fatagar. The current Fatagar Royal Residence compound is located in Fakfak Kota District. The compound consists of the Royal House, a Masjid Jami’, and burial grounds for members of the royal families. Interestingly, ordinary people from around the compound could also be buried there.The rich history of the Fakfak Regency is perceptible from its heritage sites. From prehistoric relics to centuries-old mosques, human civilization has indeed prevailed along with their traditions. The existence of Islamic archaeologicalremains throughout the region proves that Islam was not only present in the region for centuries, but it also flourished together with local residents, a testament of the common ground West Papua shared with the rest of the Republic of Indonesia.
