MERAUKE
Symbol of Merauke [0].
Merauke is the southernmost city in Indonesia and lies near the
border with Papua New Guinea. Owing to its proximity to Australia, this part of Irian Jaya is often characterized by arid landscapes. The vicinity of Merauke,
with its savannas, eucalyptus trees and kangaroos is very reminiscent of the
sixth continent (Australia).
Sago Palms, which are the people's main source of nourishment, grow along rivers and in swamps. Merauke itself is dusty and hot but very relaxing. Tourist usually go to Merauke to catch a boat or a plane into the Asmat region or to arrange a trip up the Bian or Maro Rivers. When its water level allows, the Maro River provides a 300 km link with Tanah Merah, where the Dutch once detained political prisoners, Soekarno among them.
An other reason for tourists to come to Merauke is the beautiful
Wasur National Park. It is located 13 km out of Merauke on an area of 412.387
ha. This park has various kinds of flora and fauna which part of them never can
be found elsewhere in the world. Among them are 74 kinds of birds from 390
species present in the park.
Small history of Merauke. It was founded 12 february 1902. The first
settlers were Dutch government officials. They tried to devide two Papuas
tribes, the Marind-anims and the Sohoers. They were in heavy fighting those days
(including head-hunting).
It became a real 'city' very fast. Far away in Europe the ladies liked to put
the feathers of the bird of paradise on there hats. It was very popular. From
Merauke indonesian, european and chinese hunters started to invade the forests
in South Dutch New Guinea to shoot as much birds as possible. When one day this
hunting was forbidden by the Dutch gouverment they all came back from the inland
and settled in Merauke to spend there their earned money.
That is why in the 'old' days there were not many papuas living in Merauke. It
was the city of the foreigners. This has changed. Now more and more Papuas start
living in Merauke.
The name of city "Merauke" originates from wrong pronunciation by the
first settlers. When the settlers asked the papuas how the small city was called
they answered: "maro-ke" meaning "That is the Maro river.".
The Marind papua thought that the nearby river Maro (500 meters wide) was more
important than the name of the area or the next located forest named Gandin. The
native Papuas themselves called it "Ermasoek", the name of the area.
