Located on Papua's northern coast facing the Pacific Ocean, Sarmi Regency played a strategic role during World War II as a Japanese military defense base before becoming the site of major Allied operations in 1944. Today, remnants of that history—including military airstrips, artillery, ship anchors, and other wartime structures—remain scattered throughout the region. Despite their historical importance, many of these sites have received limited legal protection and have yet to be fully integrated into education or tourism planning.
The researchers argue that preserving cultural heritage is no longer simply about protecting historical objects. Instead, it should become part of regional development strategies that simultaneously preserve history, educate future generations, and improve local livelihoods.
Why This Research Matters
Across many regions of Indonesia, historical sites remain underutilized despite their educational and economic potential. Governments are increasingly seeking sustainable tourism models that generate income without sacrificing cultural authenticity.
Sarmi represents a particularly important case because its World War II heritage reflects both Indonesian history and broader Pacific history. Until now, previous studies largely focused on archaeological inventories or physical documentation. Few had examined how these heritage assets could simultaneously support education, reinforce national identity, and contribute to the local economy.
This research fills that gap by presenting an integrated analysis of all three functions within a single framework.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers adopted an exploratory qualitative approach combining several sources of evidence.
Their investigation included:
- Literature reviews of historical archives, academic publications, and official documents.
- Field observations at Wakde Island, Tanjung Batu Village, and Holmafen Village, where officially recognized heritage sites are located.
- Interviews with cultural heritage owners, members of the Cultural Heritage Expert Team, government officials, educators, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and local community representatives.
Information gathered from these different sources was compared and interpreted using descriptive analysis to produce a comprehensive understanding of the heritage sites and their contemporary roles.
Eight Official Heritage Objects Among Eighty Recorded Sites
One of the study's most significant findings is the extensive inventory of cultural heritage in Sarmi Regency.
Researchers documented:
- 80 objects suspected of qualifying as cultural heritage.
- 1 officially designated heritage structure.
- 7 officially designated heritage objects.
- 72 additional sites awaiting formal legal recognition.
Among the officially recognized heritage assets are the historic airstrip on Wakde Island, cannon barrels, artillery installations, and large naval anchors dating back to World War II. Many of these structures still preserve their original physical characteristics despite decades of exposure to tropical weather and corrosion.
The study warns that the remaining undocumented or unprotected sites could face deterioration or even permanent loss without timely legal designation and conservation measures.
Living Classrooms Beyond Textbooks
The research highlights the growing educational value of Sarmi's heritage sites.
Several local secondary schools have already incorporated field visits into history education, allowing students to study wartime relics directly rather than relying solely on classroom instruction.
According to the researchers, visiting authentic historical locations enables students to understand historical events more vividly while encouraging critical thinking, historical awareness, and appreciation of national heritage.
Beyond school education, the heritage sites also function as interdisciplinary learning laboratories for archaeology, anthropology, history, architecture, engineering, and environmental studies, providing real-world learning experiences unavailable in conventional classrooms.
Strengthening Indonesia's National Identity
The researchers also emphasize that officially recognizing heritage objects carries symbolic importance beyond legal protection.
Each preserved object represents a tangible reminder of Indonesia's historical experience during World War II. The Wakde airstrip illustrates the strategic military significance of Papua in the Pacific campaign, while artillery weapons and naval anchors demonstrate technological developments and wartime logistics that shaped regional history.
As the authors explain, preserving these objects helps strengthen national identity by providing physical evidence of Indonesia's historical journey and encouraging younger generations to value cultural heritage as part of their shared national legacy.
Heritage Tourism Could Boost Local Economic Growth
The study identifies tourism as another major opportunity.
Government records reviewed by the researchers show increasing interest in Sarmi's heritage from Indonesian institutions as well as international visitors, particularly representatives from the Japanese Government and the Embassy of Japan in Jakarta.
According to the study, heritage tourism could stimulate local economic development through:
- Expansion of handicraft and souvenir businesses.
- Growth of local culinary enterprises.
- Employment opportunities for certified heritage tour guides.
- Accommodation and hospitality services.
- Cultural festivals, documentary productions, and creative digital content based on local history.
However, the researchers note that realizing this potential will require better visitor facilities, including information boards, maps, guidebooks, and trained local guides capable of explaining the historical significance of each site.
Collaboration Is Essential
The study concludes that successful heritage management depends on close cooperation among local governments, universities, heritage experts, and community organizations.
As Sonya M. Kawer and colleagues from Universitas Cenderawasih emphasize, Sarmi's cultural heritage should be managed through an integrated approach that balances preservation, education, and economic development. Without such collaboration, valuable historical resources may continue to receive recognition while failing to generate meaningful social and economic benefits for local communities.
Author Profile
Sonya M. Kawer, is a researcher and lecturer at Universitas Cenderawasih, specializing in history education, cultural heritage preservation, and Papuan history.
Aquarisal Patrick Fabian, is a lecturer at Universitas Cenderawasih whose academic interests include historical studies, education, and cultural development.
Apner Krei, is an academic at Universitas Cenderawasih focusing on local history, Papuan cultural heritage, and heritage conservation.
Source
Kawer, Sonya M., Fabian, Aquarisal Patrick, & Krei, Apner. (2026). The Role of Cultural Heritage Sites as Centers for Education, National Identity, and Tourism-Based Economy in Sarmi Regency, Papua. Journal of Social Interactions and Humanities (JSIH), Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 195–204.
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