MEMORY OF MY BYAK

In during World War II (in 1939-1945), in Biak and surrounding great battle between Allied troops under the command of General Douglas MacArthur with the Japanese. Allies managed to storm the Japanese. The general also made the island of Biak and surrounding areas as a base for their defense. The incident left many historical evidence in Papua. One of the former airstrip which is now flying Mokmer Frans Kaisiepo airport.

Airport is located on the island of Biak was included in Biak Numfor. The location of this district is strategic, in the northern part of Paradise Island in the Gulf Yapen. No wonder when the first Japan and the United States chose this area as a base defense. Biak Numfor originally known as the only district among the 14 islands in the districts in Papua province, but not anymore after an expansion into 28 districts and municipalities. Three large islands and 62 small islands in the region rely heavily on Biak Numfor seaports and airports to traffic economy. Moreover, sea ports can directly access to the Asia Pacific, Australia and America, as well as the airport.

Both these lines become extremely vital for economic and trade flows to and from the Biak Numfor regions or other countries. The tourism sector also benefited from the height of the second line, because from that point the flow of domestic and foreign tourists can be captured.

Unfortunately the flight path of Biak-Los Angeles which was originally expected to bring in tourists, in 1994 by airline Garuda is closed. Since then, no more international flights and large aircraft with hundreds of passengers who stopped at the Frans Kaisiepo. Conditions that affect the flow of foreign tourists coming. Biak as the ship lost its way. In fact, from the flight path of Biak Numfor menangguk expect much from the tourist dollar.

The situation was further compounded by the monetary crisis that hit the country. Flows of foreign tourists who came in 1997 amounted to 3403 people by the year 2001 not much grows, only 4422 people. Decrease the number of passenger air transport that comes also occurred since 1997, 64 268 people whose numbers continue to decline until the year 2001, 33 454 people. The impact is seen at the hotel occupancy rate. The number of foreign visitors who stay in the year 1997 as many as 3873 people, 2182 people lived next year. The most obvious impact was the closure of four-star hotel, Hotel Biak Beach Marauw which was originally built to attract tourists.

Biak Numfor indeed can only hope from the natural wealth that is owned, especially the natural riches of the sea. The soil in this region are generally in the form of rocks that do not allow for farming, so that the Biak Numfor more direct attention to the field of fisheries. Marine natural resource-rich variety of fish provides bright prospects for the fishery business. Reasonable if the contribution of fisheries ranked first Biak Numfor economic activity from year to year. Year 2001 contributions to USD 74.47 billion, the largest (14.08 percent) compared to other business sectors in the agricultural sector.

Seafood is a major livelihood of fishermen households 3199 or eight percent of the total 39 976 households in Biak Numfor. The largest number of manpower in the field of fisheries, 40, 84 percent are in Sub-South and Sub Padaido Supiori 35.69 percent. The rest, spread over ten other districts. When the amount of labor is assumed to be proportional to the amount of seafood caught, you could say Biak Numfor for acquisition ranked third after Yapen seafood (16.52 percent) and Sorong (10.37 percent), because the number of workers engaged in the business fisheries, eight per cent.

From the natural wealth of the sea also Biak Numfor could "sell" the area through tourism promotion. Nautical tourism becomes the right choice. Each island in this district, surrounded by white sandy beaches. Panorama sea is clear and colorful coral reefs could become the mainstay of pristine marine tourism. From the side attractions, Biak Numfor rich enough.

There are some decent marine tourism object is sold, such as along the archipelago Padaido, the beauty beneath the sea with a variety of types and colors of fish and corals. Yendidori Beach, Coast Regiment, and Bosnik Beach has white sand beaches fascination with the beautiful natural panorama. Insubabi Islands and Miospondi have marine park with various species of fish.

In addition, Bird Park and Orchid Garden which was built through the Department of Forestry Government of Papua in the year 1989/1990. Here visitors can see the wealth of fauna of Papua and other types of orchids. There are also historical sights, such as the Museum of Paradise is a collection of the remaining equipment of World War II, the former home of General MacArthur lived, a former ally of the military base, Japanese cave as a place of defense, and the carcasses of tanks and ships.

Tourists who visit will be enhanced by improving the promotion, as well as reduce the cost / illegal levies that must be removed when in Biak Numfor tourists. If you remember the phrase Schouten said that twisted into 'Remember When Will Return'.


Dive Manbesak Papua