Doom Island

Tracing the Historical Footprints of Doom Island: A Colonial Gem in the Heart of Southwest Papua

Doom Island stands as a historical anomaly amidst the cluster of islands in the waters of Sorong, Southwest Papua. Despite its modest size of only about 5 square kilometers, this small island holds grand narratives of power transitions, early modernity in the land of Papua, and remnants of colonial grandeur that are almost impossible to find elsewhere in eastern Indonesia. Known as "Star City" or "City of Lights" in its heyday, Doom Island is a silent witness to the transformation from a Dutch administrative center to a crucial defense base during World War II.

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Origins and the Formation of an Administrative Center

The name "Doom" originates from the local Malamoi tribe (the indigenous people of Sorong), meaning "island overgrown with many fruit trees." Before the arrival of Europeans, the island was part of the Tidore Sultanate's territory. However, Doom's historical significance began to peak in the early 20th century, specifically around 1906, when the Dutch East Indies government chose it as the administrative center (bestuur) for the Sorong region and its surroundings.

The choice of Doom was not without reason. Geographically, its location is highly strategic, protected from the large waves of the Pacific Ocean by the main landmass of Papua and surrounding small islands. This made its waters calm, ideal for a natural harbor. Since 1935, the Dutch officially made Doom the administrative capital of the Onderafdeling (sub-division) of Sorong, making it the first center of modern civilization in the bird's head region of Papua, long before Sorong City on the mainland developed.

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Architecture and Urban Planning: "The Netherlands in the East"

One of the most striking aspects of Doom Island is its architectural style. The Dutch designed the island with a highly organized European urban planning concept. The roads on the island were made straight and asphalted—a luxury rarely found in Papua in the early 1900s.

The buildings on Doom Island reflect the Indische Empire style adapted to the tropical climate. Characteristic features include high ceilings, large windows for air circulation (louvers), and thick concrete walls. One of the most iconic structures is the former resident's office and the official residences of Dutch officials, which still stand today, although some have been repurposed. Uniquely, the island once housed facilities that were very advanced for their time, such as a diesel power plant that illuminated the island brightly at night, leading past sailors to call it "Star Island."

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Strategic Role in World War II

The Dutch colonial glory on Doom Island was interrupted by the outbreak of the Pacific War. In 1942, the Imperial Japanese army successfully captured the island from the Dutch. Under Japanese occupation, Doom's function drastically changed from an administrative center to a formidable military defense fortress.

The Japanese recognized Doom's strategic position for monitoring Allied movements in the Pacific. They built a network of interconnected underground bunkers and defense corridors beneath the island's small hills. Some of these bunkers can still be found today, with very sturdy concrete construction. The Japanese also stationed coastal artillery to secure the sea lanes to Halmahera and the Philippines. The intense Allied air raids in the Sorong area made Doom one of the hottest spots in the World War II theater in Papua.

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Important Figures and Periods

Besides the Dutch Controleur officials, Doom Island is also closely associated with local figures and the national movement. After Japan's surrender and the Dutch return through NICA, Doom became an important center in the Dutch efforts to retain Papua through the formation of puppet states. However, history also records that it was through Doom's port that information about Indonesia's independence began to seep into the educated elite of Papua.

In the 1950s, before Papua's integration into Indonesia, Doom still functioned as an educational and health center. Many doctors and teachers from various regions in Indonesia (such as Maluku and Sulawesi) were stationed here, creating a very cosmopolitan and multicultural society from an early stage.

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Cultural and Religious Significance

Culturally, Doom Island is a melting pot. The presence of an Old Church from the Dutch era and a Jami Mosque that has stood for decades demonstrates strong religious harmony. The people of Doom are known for their unique dialect and traditions, a blend of the indigenous Moi culture with the influences of migrants brought by colonial trade activities.

Every corner of this island exudes an aura of nostalgia. For the people of Sorong, Doom is not just a place to live, but a symbol of historical identity. There is a collective pride that modern civilization, formal school systems, and government bureaucracy in Southwest Papua are rooted in this small island.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Doom Island is categorized as a protected Historical Site, although its preservation challenges are significant. Many Dutch-era buildings are now inhabited by local residents or have suffered damage due to age and corrosive sea weather. Some restoration efforts have been undertaken by the local government to maintain the original facades of the main buildings.

The Southwest Papua Provincial Government has begun to look into Doom's potential as a heritage tourism destination. The arrangement of the island's ring road and the maintenance of Japanese bunkers are priorities to ensure their historical value is not lost to dense settlements. These efforts are important to ensure that the narrative of "Star City" remains alive for future generations.

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Unique Facts About Doom Island

There are several unique facts that distinguish Doom from other historical sites in Indonesia:

1. Car-Free Transportation: To this day, there are almost no cars on Doom Island. The main transportation is by pedicab and motorcycle, which provides a tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of old towns in the past.

2. Underground Prison: There are remnants of Dutch-era prison cells that were reportedly used to detain political prisoners and criminals before they were transferred to Manokwari or Makassar.

3. Colonial Drainage System: Despite being on a small island, the drainage system built by the Dutch has proven very effective in preventing floods, a testament to the excellence of civil engineering at that time.

In conclusion, Doom Island is a time capsule. Here, the history of colonialism, Japanese militarism, and the struggle for Papua's integration converge in one small yet meaningful space. Understanding Doom Island is not just about seeing old buildings, but about appreciating the starting point of modernity in the eastern horizon of the archipelago.