Unlocking the tourism potential of Japanese Caves in Biak Numfor

The Japanese Cave in Biak Numfor has so far been inferior to several other historical tourist sites in Indonesia, even though this Japanese Cave has many strong historical stories in it.

The strong historical story about the Japanese Cave in Biak Numfor makes the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy believe that this tourist attraction can become a leading tourist destination that is increasingly famous and attracts many tourists as long as it is managed with global standards.

Director of Destination II Development of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Wawan Gunawan, said that the Japanese Cave in Biak Numfor has tremendous potential and is even capable of rivaling the War Remnants Museum in Vietnam, as long as it continues to be packaged with global standards.

The Japanese Cave is one of the leading destinations in Biak Numfor Regency. The Japanese cave was originally a natural cave that was often used by local people as a place to rest. Inside the cave there is also a spring that is often used by the community for daily needs before finally being used by the Japanese army.

The Japanese cave or often called Abyab Binsari by local people means Grandma's cave. According to local stories, long ago there was an old woman who lived around this cave. But after the Japanese soldiers arrived, the grandmother then disappeared without a trace.

The Japanese army first landed in Biak in 1943 with a troop number of approximately 10,000. Spread from Japanese caves, North Biak, West Biak, East Biak, Ambroben Sup, to Supiori.

The Japanese army then built fortifications on the coast to the forest and caves in the forest. Especially in the Japanese cave there are as many as 3,000 Japanese army personnel, which then makes the cave a logistics center and also a hiding place for Japanese soldiers under Colonel Kuzume's Command.

Around 1944, the allied troops under the leadership of General Douglas McArthur found out that the Japanese army's logistics center was in Biak. So on June 7, 1944, the Allies immediately dropped bombs and fuel drums on the Binsari cave, which resulted in the death of more than 3,000 Japanese soldiers.

Around 1980, the Japanese cave was designated as one of the historical attractions of World War II. The objects found in this area include weapons, both light and heavy weapons, bullets, helmets or Japanese army hats. In addition, there are also Japanese planes, bombs, drinking utensils, samurai, pistols and medical equipment such as drugs, then objects from allies.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy encourages the strengthening of leading tourist destinations in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, as quality and sustainable destinations in order to attract greater tourist interest and economic revival.

Wawan Gunawan accompanied by the Head of the Biak Numfor Regency Tourism Office, Ony Dangeubun, reviewed the development of destinations through the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) for Tourism in 2021, namely Goa Japan, Samofa District, on the sidelines of preparing the Vaccination Center Facilitation in Biak Numfor supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.
 
In addition, they also reviewed the construction of an art stage in the Cendrawasih Museum Area, Biak City District, Wardo Rest Area, West Biak District and Waterblow Tanjung Saruri Yawosi District, as well as a review of development preparations at Yennyabo Sorido Beach, Biak City District, Biak Numfor Regency through the 2022 DAK. .

Wawan explained, Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf is committed to supporting Destination Development in Biak Numfor in line with Presidential Instruction (INPRES) No. 9 of 2020 concerning the Acceleration of Welfare Development in Papua and West Papua Provinces and the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) Tourism Destinations Development. (DPP) Biak-Cendrawasih Bay.

"Preparing a quality, competitive, integrated and sustainable Biak Numfor destination. It can be strengthened by making an interesting calendar of events, this travel patent packaging historical and religious tourism packages will be the main attraction for foreign tourists and foreign tourists with story telling narratives that strong and attractive," said Wawan.

On that occasion Wawan appreciated the strong commitment of the local government, in particular the Regent of Biak Numfor Herry Ario Naap in developing strategic Biak Numfor tourism such as this Japanese Cave tour. This can be seen from several implementations of the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) support in the tourism sector since the 2017-2021 Fiscal Year which has been carried out with the right target, right budget and right benefits in the destination. As well as DAK support for sustainable tourism in 2022-2024.

Likewise with the establishment of art buildings as facilities and infrastructure for creative spaces for the community, the community in expressing themselves to support the cultural tourism attraction of Biak Numfor. In the future, various arts and cultural communities will be able to perform and also creative, culinary, and musical actors, can join hands with each other to carry out sustainable activities.

"Of course this will have an impact on providing added value in accelerating economic movement for the welfare of the Biak Numfor community," said Wawan.

The Head of the Biak Numfor Regency Tourism Office, Ony Dangeubun, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency for being committed to supporting the development of tourism and the creative economy in Biak Numfor.

"The Biak Numfor Regency Government appreciates and is grateful for the commitment of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to continue to support the development of destinations in Biak Numfor. We hope that support for Biak Numfor will continue in the following years," said Ony.

By opening the tourism potential of the Japanese Cave in Biak Numfor, it will certainly develop other tourism potentials in this region. In line with the development of tourism in Biak Numfor, it will indirectly improve the economy and the creative industry in Biak Numfor.

SOURCE : https://www.antaranews.com/berita/2577405/open-potential-pariwisata-gua-jepang-di-biak-numfor