Buru

History

The History of Buru Island: Traces of Civilization in the Heart of Maluku

Buru Island, located in the eastern part of the Maluku Islands, possesses a deep and unique historical narrative. With an area of 4,908.51 km², this island is not merely a landmass in the Banda Sea, but a silent witness to Indonesia's social and political transformations from the colonial era to the modern age.

#

Early Period and Colonial Arrival

Historically, Buru Island has long been known as a producer of white wood (Eucalyptus deglupta) and spices. In the 17th century, the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) began to establish its influence in this region. In 1658, the Dutch built Kayeli Fort in Kayeli Bay. This fort became an administrative and defense center to control spice trade and monitor the movements of the local population who frequently resisted Dutch monopoly. The indigenous people of Buru, consisting of the Rana tribe and various mountain clans, had a strong customary structure with a "Raja" (King) leadership on the coast, recognized by the colonial government to maintain stability.

#

Era of Struggle and Post-Independence

Entering the 20th century, the political dynamics in Buru began to shift with the rise of Indonesian nationalism. After the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945, Buru became part of the struggle to defend sovereignty from Dutch aggression. However, the name Buru Island gained international prominence during the period of 1969-1979. The New Order government designated the interior of Buru, particularly in the Land Utilization Unit (Tefaat), as a place of exile for thousands of political prisoners (Tapol) accused of involvement in the G30S/PKI. It was here that the great literary figure, Pramoedya Ananta Toer, wrote his masterpiece "Buru Tetralogy" amidst physical limitations and political pressure. This event has given Buru a complex collective memory in the history of human rights in Indonesia.

#

Cultural Heritage and Local Traditions

Buru's rich history is reflected in its cultural heritage. The "Bupolo" tradition remains preserved, where the community maintains a harmonious relationship with nature, especially Lake Rana, which is considered sacred. Administratively, Buru Island now directly borders South Buru Regency and is separated by the Manipa Strait from the Seram region to the east. Its people practice customary rituals such as Pela Gandong, which strengthens brotherhood between villages, a crucial social mechanism in maintaining peace in Maluku after the 1999 conflict.

#

Modern Development

Today, Buru has transformed into a food granary for Maluku Province. Since the regional expansion in 1999 through Law No. 46, infrastructure development in Namlea, the regency capital, has increased rapidly. The transformation from an ex-exile location to an agribusiness center and the world's best white wood oil production site demonstrates the resilience of its people. Buru's history is a portrait of a journey from the shackles of colonialism and political repression towards economic independence based on the wealth of local wisdom.