Aru Islands

History

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History of Aru Islands: A Gem in the Eastern Tip of Maluku

Aru Islands, a cluster of islands in the southeastern part of Maluku Province bordering the Arafura Sea, possesses a unique historical narrative as an ancient trade crossroads and a silent witness to world exploration. With an area of approximately 8,175.38 km², this region has historically been known as "Negeri Jargaria" and is one of the easternmost areas in the Nusantara archipelago, closely linked to the Sahul marine and land ecosystem.

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Era of Ancient Trade and European Exploration

The history of Aru Islands began with its fame as a producer of exotic commodities such as bird of paradise feathers, pearls, and sea cucumbers. Long before the Europeans arrived, traders from China, Arabia, and Bugis had established contact with the local communities in Dobo. These islands became a vital transit point for trade connecting Central Maluku with the landmass of Papua.

In the 16th century, Portuguese and Spanish explorers began to note the presence of Aru on their navigation charts. However, the colonial turning point occurred when the Dutch, through the VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie), began to exert their influence in the 17th century. In 1623, Jan Carstenszoon recorded interactions with the Aru people. Dutch interest in this region was not solely due to spices, but also control over marine products and birds of paradise, which were symbols of luxury in Europe.

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Alfred Russel Wallace's Expedition

One of the most significant historical records for Aru Islands is the visit of the British naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace, in 1857. Wallace resided in Dobo and the interior of Aru for several months. It was here that he found crucial evidence for the theory of evolution by natural selection. Wallace was deeply impressed by Aru's biodiversity, especially the Greater Bird-of-Paradise (Paradisaea apoda), which he called the most beautiful bird in the world. This visit placed Aru on the global scientific map.

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Struggle for Independence and Integration

During World War II, Dobo briefly served as a defense base for the Japanese army before being recaptured by the Allies. Following the proclamation of Indonesian independence in 1945, Aru Islands faced complex political dynamics. As part of the Maluku region, the Aru people actively participated in efforts to defend the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. One of the heroic events closely related to the Aru waters was the Battle of Aru Sea on January 15, 1962, where Commodore Yos Sudarso fell aboard the KRI Macan Tutul during the effort to liberate West Irian.

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Cultural Heritage and Modernization

Culturally, the Aru people are bound by strong customary laws, particularly the Jargaria system and the preservation of nature through the "Sasi" tradition—a prohibition on harvesting marine products for a certain period to ensure sustainability. Aru culture is also influenced by traditional dances like the Bird-of-Paradise Dance and the use of the Tifa musical instrument.

Today, Aru Islands has transformed into an autonomous regency since 2003 (based on Law No. 40 of 2003). Dobo remains a vital economic center. Modern development focuses on optimizing marine and fishery resources, making it one of the national fish barns in eastern Indonesia, while still preserving historical sites such as the remaining Dutch fortresses scattered across the islands.