Fak Fak

History

#

History of Fakfak Regency: Traces of Civilization in West Papua

Fakfak is one of the oldest and most historic regions in West Papua Province. With an area of 9,904.24 km², this regency is known by the nickname "Nutmeg City" because it was a center for the spice trade that connected the mainland of Papua with the archipelago network for centuries.

##

Historical Roots and Sultanate Influence

Fakfak's history cannot be separated from the influence of the Sultanates in Maluku, especially the Sultanate of Tidore. Since the 16th century, this region was part of Tidore's power, which appointed local leaders with the title "Raja" (King). There are seven petuanans or traditional kingdoms that still exist and are recognized by custom today, namely Petuanan Ati-Ati, Fatagar, Arguni, Sekar, Wertuar, Patipi, and Rumbati. Uniquely, unlike the general narrative of coastal areas, these centers of power built a strong social foundation in an area surrounded by steep hilly topography, reflecting the resilience of the local community in managing their unique landscape.

##

Dutch and Japanese Colonial Era

The Dutch Colonial Government began to formally establish its administrative influence in Fakfak on February 5, 1898. Fakfak was chosen as the capital of the afdeling (administrative region) due to its strategic geopolitical location in the eastern part of the archipelago. During this period, the Dutch built government infrastructure and began to exploit the potential of forest nutmeg (Pala Fakfak) which has a distinctive aroma.

During World War II, Fakfak became an important point of Japanese defense in the South Pacific. Japanese troops landed in Fakfak in April 1942. Traces of this occupation can still be found through historical sites such as defense bunkers and remnants of cannons in the coastal and hilly areas, which bear silent witness to the fierce battles between Allied and Japanese forces in Papua.

##

Struggle for Integration and the Era of Independence

In the history of Papua's integration into the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), Fakfak played a crucial role through the involvement of local figures like Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan, the Raja of Sekar, who was awarded the title of Indonesian National Hero. He led the resistance movement against the Dutch through the Gerakan Muda Cenderawasih (GMC) organization to support the Proclamation of Independence in 1945. This spirit of nationalism culminated in the implementation of the People's Opinion Determination (PEPERA) in 1969, where the people of Fakfak unanimously chose to remain within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

##

Cultural Heritage and Religious Moderation

One of the most prominent unique aspects of Fakfak's history is the philosophy of "Satu Tungku Tiga Batu" (One Hearth, Three Stones). This tradition symbolizes harmony between three pillars: custom, Islam, and Christianity. Fakfak was the first entry point for Islam in Papua, brought by traders and clerics from Maluku before the arrival of Christian missionaries. This deeply ingrained tolerance makes it a model of peace in Indonesia.

##

Modern Development

Currently, Fakfak continues to develop as an educational and economic center in West Papua. With plans for a more modern Siboru Airport and the establishment of a fertilizer industrial area, Fakfak is transforming without abandoning its historical identity. As a region directly bordering three other areas (Kaimana, Teluk Bintuni, and the open sea), Fakfak remains a nexus of civilization in eastern Indonesia, blending natural wealth with noble customary wisdom.