Onrust Island

Origins and Establishment: The Heart of VOC Logistics

The history of Onrust Island as a center of colonial activity began shortly after the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) established its foothold in Jayakarta. In 1610, the VOC began utilizing this island as a ship repair facility and logistics base. Its strategic location—close enough to Batavia yet isolated from the mainland—made it an ideal natural fortress and maritime workshop.

Major construction occurred in 1615 when the VOC established a shipyard and warehouses for storing valuable commodities like spices. Due to the non-stop, day-and-night ship repair activities, European sailors nicknamed it "Onrust." At its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries, the island was considered one of the most advanced shipyards in the world, even claimed to be competitive with shipyards in Amsterdam.

Architecture and Construction: A Fortress on Coral

Architecturally, Onrust Island was designed as a highly efficient military and industrial complex. In the center of the island stood a pentagonal fortress with bastions at each corner, known as Fort Onrust. Its construction used a combination of coral stone, red bricks brought from the Netherlands as ship ballast, and high-quality teak wood.

In addition to the fortress, the island had giant windmills that powered woodworking machinery for ship repair needs. The building style on Onrust reflected early colonial functionalism; thick walls resistant to saltwater corrosion and high humidity. On the east side were sturdy docks where large ships would berth. Unfortunately, most of these magnificent structures were destroyed by British attacks in the early 19th century and the natural disaster of the Krakatoa eruption in 1883. Today, remnants of red brick foundations and fortress ruins can still be seen, evoking a melancholic impression of a lost maritime city.

Historical Significance and Key Events

Onrust Island witnessed various events that altered the course of Nusantara's history. In the 1800s, the island became a primary target for the British navy's blockade in their attempt to seize Dutch territories in Java. Fierce battles took place in the waters around Onrust, resulting in the complete destruction of the military installations there.

After the golden age of shipbuilding ended, Onrust's function shifted drastically. In the early 20th century (around 1911-1933), the Dutch East Indies government transformed the island into a Sanatorium for infectious disease sufferers and later into a Hajj Quarantine Center. Pilgrims returning from Mecca were required to stay on Onrust for several days to ensure they did not carry outbreaks to mainland Java. During this period, large barracks were built to accommodate thousands of people.

Associated Figures and Periods

Several historical figures are recorded as having close ties to this island. One of them was James Cook, the legendary British explorer. In 1770, Cook's ship, HMS Endeavour, was severely damaged after hitting a reef in Australia. He chose Onrust Island for the complete repair of his ship due to the reputation of Onrust's technicians for their high skill in handling large wooden vessels.

Furthermore, during World War II, Onrust became a grim detention site. The Dutch East Indies government used it as a POW camp for Germans living in the Dutch East Indies (after Germany invaded the Netherlands in Europe). Later, under Japanese occupation, the island was used as a prison for political detainees and serious criminals. One of the dark events recorded is the execution of several figures from the Zeven Provinciën mutiny in this area.

Conservation Efforts and Current Status

After Indonesia's independence, Onrust Island was neglected and became a target for the looting of building materials. Many historical bricks and coral stones were taken by local residents for construction. Awareness of the site's importance only emerged in the 1970s. Through the Decree of the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ali Sadikin, Onrust Island was designated as a Cultural Heritage Site.

Currently, Onrust is managed as a Unit of the Maritime Museum of Jakarta. Restoration is carried out periodically, although the main focus is on the preservation of ruins rather than full reconstruction. A small museum was established within the still-intact former quarantine doctor's house, displaying a model of the island during its heyday, remnants of ancient ceramics, and maritime navigation tools.

Unique Facts and Mysteries

One of the unique facts that attracts tourists is the presence of an ancient grave in the middle of the island. There is a tombstone bearing the name Maria van de Velde, a Dutch girl who died in 1721. Local legends often associate the existence of this grave with mystical stories, but historically, the tombstone is tangible proof of the high mortality rate due to tropical diseases (such as malaria and typhoid) that plagued Europeans on Onrust during that era.

Additionally, the old drainage systems and wells on Onrust still demonstrate the sophistication of past hydraulic engineering, where they were able to process brackish water into usable water for the needs of the shipping industry.

Conclusion: A Legacy Not to Be Forgotten

As a "Historical Site," Onrust Island offers a rich narrative of how a small point on the map could become a center of global economic and military gravity. Onrust is not just a marine tourism destination but a historical laboratory that showcases the bright side of maritime technological glory as well as the dark side of colonialism and human suffering. Protecting Onrust means safeguarding the nation's collective memory of Indonesia's identity as a world maritime axis that existed long before the term became popular again in the modern era.