Biak Island is West Papua’s zone most affected by the atrocity of World War II. The little paradise overlooking the Pacific Ocean was the silent witness of Biak battle. The complicated combat between the Japanese imperial armies and American ground forces ended up with inevitable pain. The air attack occurred in 1944 dramatically had killed thousands of people from both sides. Additionally, it caused the array of severe destruction unforgotten along the history of human being in the world.
Here are a couple of remains in the aftermath of World War II you can trace up whilst getting lost on the island of Biak:
Japanese Cave of Binsari
Situated in the village of Sumberker, East Biak, a Japanese cave famously known as Binsari is the genuine evidence of the malignancy of allied force attack during World War II. Under the command General Mc Arthur, the troops relentlessly bombarded the spot and dropped tons of fire drums. The site used to be a hideout for the Japanese imperial armies utilized for protecting the troops from the possible threat that happens anytime. It was also functionalized for storing foods and other logistics. By having a stop at this historical den, your wild imagination about the brutality of the World War II tragedy on June 4th, 1944 would, of course, come up.
On the authority of a historical note, there were 3,000 Japanese troops who were tragically murdered in the cave descending to a depth of 45 meters. Why it was considered as something tragic and sorrowful as well since not only were the individuals vanquished but they were also buried alive. The war debris and ruins after the incident such as guns, car wrecks, mortars, and other weapons are exactly the silent witnesses of the inevitable man-made calamity. Hitherto, the enthusiastic history explorers are allowed to enjoy these unbelievable remains, recalling the dark side of human behavior dealing with a hunger for power.
Apart from the objects used in the battle, the expansive cavern crowed with green vegetation also doubles as a mass grave. The human skeletons prettify the corners of the former Japanese troops’ hideout. According to Yusuf Rumaropen and Matelda Maryen, the latest site managers, 1,000 out of 3,000 dead bodies have been sent to Japan. The site keepers also added that the bones were previously cremated before the shipment was performed. Some from heads to feet were nicely kept in a 2-meter width structure while the rests remain heaped up and hard to search.
Owi Isle, another Motionless Witness of World War II Incident
If you keep your curiosity about the adversity of World War II in West Papua, never miss out on a rare chance of island hopping at Owi Isle. Situated off the southern coast of Bosnik beach, the small landmass inhabited by some groups of families once played a significant role when it comes to getting associated with the allied forces’ triumph over the Pacific and South East Asia territories. The icons of the island are no other than three aircraft runways standing up nicely. Another historical attraction you can’t skip out is the surrounding underwater – this one is perfect for those who are sea explorers. At the depth of 30 meters, there is a site home to the Catalina wreck.
During the seizure of Biak Island during World War II, Owi Isle used to be a military base of allied forces mainly for the air arm. The spot used as the war aircraft’s runway was meritorious to the Biak battle occurred in late May 1944 – the cutthroat attack was lead by Douglas Mac Arthur, the American five-star general, and the Philippine Army’s Field Marshal. In compliance with the trusted history source, the little paradise accessible from Biak Island was fruitfully under the control of the ally on June 2nd, 1944.
The World War II Monument
To acquire the whole detail information about World War II in Biak Island, be sure to include the World War II Monument into your must-visit list. To reach this place is nothing but easy – simply take a 15-minute drive from the city center. Designed by a prominent Japanese architecture, Hiroshi Ogawa, the masterpiece is such a meaningful symbol to remind the inhumanity and the savagery of war so that the similar shameful tragedy won’t be repeated in the future. The memorial is filled with eight boulders varying in shape and established to commemorate the eight killed Japanese soldiers. At the right of the building, it lies a snail-shaped structure depicting the homicide cave.
To sum up, Biak Island is indeed the precise place to see the historical remains of World War II, as well as learning the impact of war catastrophe. From the Japanese cave of Bansari to the World War II Monument, you will find this West Papua’s charm worth to hit.
