Jayapura
Jayapura is the capital and largest city in Papua, Indonesia. The city has also been known in the past as Hollandia (1910-1962), Kota Baru 1962-1963) and even Sukarnopura (1963-1968).
The northtern part of Dutch New Guinea was occupied by Japanese forces in 1942. Allied forces drove out the Japanese after amphibious landings near Hollandia, from April 21, 1944. The area served as General Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters until the conquest of the Philippines in March 1945. Over twenty U.S. bases were established and half a million US personnel moved through the area.
In 1945, the Dutch made Hollandia the capital of Netherlands New Guinea. After the territory was handed over to the United Nations, on October 1, 1962, the city became known by the Indonesian name Kota Baru, and retained the name when Indonesia took control, on May 1, 1963. The city was briefly renamed Sukarnopura, after President Sukarno, until the end of 1968, when it acquired its present name.
Looking from the genuine culture, Jayapura has some potential destinations that worth to be visited like, Sentani Lake. Lake Sentani, it lies between Jayapura City and Jayapura regency, Papua. This lake is one of the broadest and largest lake in Papua. The lake is situated below the slopes of the Cyclops mountain range has its own uniqueness. Beside it become the cultivation of fresh water, Lake Sentani also often used as a family recreation. Lake Sentani is annually held an event, name”Festival of Lake Sentani.”
Youtefa Bay, is one of the existing conservation areas in the city of Jayapura. While enjoying the beauty of the Gulf Youtefa, we can spend the time by drink the coconut ice that was available along these places. In this bay we can find the two beautiful islands which is Tobati island and Engros island.
Hamadi beach, this beach is located in the region of Entrop – Abepura, Jayapura. To reach this beach is relatively fast, which is about 10-15 minutes from downtown.
Mac Arthur’s monument, was a historical monument, located at the top of Mount Ifar. The monument was established since World War II. It was founded by American allied forces and led by General Mac Arthur.The purpose of this monument was built as a proof that the allies had landed in New Guinea and take control of Holland. Until this day, the management of MacArthur Monument is still being conducted in order to maintain its sustainability.
Amai beach, this beach is located in Jayapura District. If we went from downtown, then it takes ± 60 minutes to reach this location. Quite tiring, but all will be paid off with a unique and beautiful panoramic views that offered by this beach. In this Amai Beach, we will see a meeting between freshwater and seawater. So, do not be surprised if you feel the water at the beach does not fully salty. Other famous beach in Jayapura is Base G and Tablanusu beach. Those are gorgeous. Last but not least, Jayapura also has captivation of crocodile, it named Bintang Mas captivation. It has 200 crocs that live within the place.
