Jayapura is the capital of Papua. It holds a lot of history since the naming of the city. Little do people know that Jayapura’s name history has a lot of changes. The city has had various names before.
Before digging deeper into the history of Jayapura’s name, let’s get to know the city better.
About Jayapura City
Japayura was first founded in 1910 under Netherlands’ authority. Jayapura City has an area of 940 km2. In addition, the city is comparatively small in size when compared to other districts in Papua. Jayapura City is the only administrative area in Papua Province with the status of a municipality.
Moreover, it has a total of five districts under Jayapura’s authority. As one of the first cities in Papua, the capital Jayapura indeed has a better development index than other cities. However, Jayapura did not just stand still and become the city like today. It has undergone many name changes throughout the years as history ever recorded.
Jayapura’s Name History
As an influential and historical city in Papua, Jayapura has undergone many name changes and development throughout the years, as explained in the history here.
1. Hollandia
Jayapura’s first name is Hollandia after the Netherlands first authorized it. The name stayed for 51 years until 1962. In addition, the status of Jayapura was the capital of Western Papua.
2. Kota Baru
After 1962, Jayapura’s name became Kota Baru in 1964. It indicates that Jayapura is no longer under Netherlands’ influence but Indonesia’s instead.
3. Sukarnopura
The heavy interference from the Netherlands caused the name to change again. Later, it changed to Sukarnopura. In addition, it has the name after the first president of Indonesia to indicate that Papua indeed belongs to Indonesia.
4. Jayapura
Sukarnopura’s name in Jayapura history did not stay long after Soekarno went under controversy for his ideology. After that, the city’s name changed to Jayapura. The name stayed the same until now, marking it as the permanent name of the only municipal city in Papua.
The Meaning of Jayapura Names
Jayapura names is not from the local language. Instead, it is from the Sanskrit language that means “City of Victory.”
Moreover, Jayapura’s name meaning marked its significance as one of the biggest cities in Papua. The growth is exponential, though compared to other islands in Indonesia, Papua still has much work.
After establishing the city’s name, the central government tried to install better governance there. Especially since East Indonesia needs a lot of improvement to develop all its sectors. Therefore, Jayapura is also a city in Papua with its own airport. The airport itself also offers intercity transportation outside Papua.
The Development of Jayapura
As mentioned before, Jayapura experienced exponential growth after becoming the capital of Papua. Along with Manokwari as the capital of West Papua, the two cities are not on par in comparison. Especially since Manokwari is still a relatively new city.
Also, Jayapura becomes the city with the most population growth in Papua. In 2021, Jayapura had a total of 362.998 people living in the city and three regencies.
The city keeps developing and becomes just like any city on Java island. There is also a traffic jam during peak hours. It is due to economic growth as more people can finally afford vehicles.
Moreover, Jayapura also becomes the center of business, trade, and investment. As more parties invest in Jayapura, there will be more promising growth in the city.
The Jayapura names history may undergo many changes, but it also marks the city’s growth with a promising future. Jayapura’s economic growth will improve as more people invest and see the city’s potential. With enough access and stronger cultural branding, Jayapura will definitely become the first metropolitan city in East Indonesia.
