Biak is one of the biggest island located at Cenderawasih Bay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenderawasih_Bay in northern coast of Papua (Biak is one of the districts in Papua)
Biak was under Dutch colony until 1963 and occupied by Japanese during WW-II.
During world war two, American lead by General Mac Arthur fought against Japanese who seized Biak Island. Many casualties reported from both sides. The Battle of Biak https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Biak started from 27 May 1944 – 17 August 1944.
In 1963 West Papua (Now Papua) finally returned to Indonesia.
at 1 January 1963”
President Soekarno
Jakarta, 17 August 1962)
(1st Indonesian President)
The natives of Biak and Papuan (formerly name West Irian) are from ethnic Melanesian and they speak in local Biak Papuan language (people refer to a non-Austronesian language).
In Papua itself there are more than 400 local Papuan languages and dialects (latest development in 2019).
This Papuan Languages study was conducted by Papuan Language Researcher Mr. Yohanis Sanjoko. Each district has its own dialect and local language.
The majority of Papuan speak a national language which is Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Language) to communicate one another and it is such a pitty that only a small minority of Papuan speak in their own dialect.
Papua is one of Indonesian 34 Provinces.
West Irian Liberation
located in Jakarta, capital city of Indonesia
In 2018 the total population of Biak-Numfor was 148.404 people.
The size of Biak island is 2.602 sq KM (1.617 sq mile). Biak is one of strategic island in the middle of Pacific.
The flight distance from Jakarta is about 3.305 KM (2.054 mile) going East.
Biak island has so many reefs, high cliff and corals. There are two main islands which are Biak and Numfor and some more than 40 smaller adjacent islands.
The northern part of Biak is another district, Supiori (110 KM from Biak city by car).
There are so many beautiful beaches along the island of Biak.
Most of the local people main job are fisherman. These fishermen lives in the smaller island surrounding the main island of Biak.
Nowdays, these fishermen are coming to the main island twice a week to sell fish and as return they buy some commodities before going home. All transport are by boat with small engine.
The nature beauty of Biak Island make a lot of people, including myself fall in love with the island.
One of my dream is to explore more by cycling around Biak, a small Paradise island of Cenderawasih Bay, to learn about local culture and it’s history.
Irianto-Journeyman 