Manokwari is the capital of West Papua Province, Indonesia. The city is located on the northern coast of Papua Island, bordering the Pacific Ocean. Manokwari serves as the center of government, economy, and education in West Papua and holds significant historical and cultural value.
Manokwari has a long history as the first place where Christianity was introduced to Papua. On February 5, 1855, two German missionaries, Carl Wilhelm Ottow and Johann Gottlob Geissler, arrived at Mansinam Island and began spreading the Christian faith. For this reason, Manokwari is often referred to as the “Gospel City,” and every year, February 5 is commemorated as Gospel Day in Papua.
Additionally, Manokwari played a role during the Dutch colonial era and witnessed various political movements leading to Papua’s integration into Indonesia.
Manokwari covers an area of approximately 1,556.94 km², with a landscape that includes coastlines, lowlands, and mountains. The city is surrounded by the Arfak Mountains, home to various endemic flora and fauna of Papua.
Manokwari has a tropical rainforest climate, with high rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature ranges between 23°C and 31°C, with relatively high humidity levels.
Manokwari offers a variety of natural, historical, and cultural tourist destinations, such as:
This historic island is located about 6 km from the city center and was the entry point of Christianity into Papua. It features historical sites, including the Jesus Christ Statue and the remains of missionary settlements.
This national park is known for its rich biodiversity, including the Bird-of-Paradise, tree kangaroos, and various endemic butterfly species. The Arfak Mountains are also a popular destination for scientific research and eco-tourism.
This beach is famous for its clean white sand and crystal-clear waters. It is a favorite spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the sunset.
Aside from its scenic beauty, Bakaro Beach is known for a unique tradition where locals call fish using a wooden whistle. Visitors can witness large fish approaching the shore during this ritual.
Located in the Arfak Mountains, these twin lakes are known as Lake Anggi Giji (the male lake) and Lake Anggi Gida (the female lake). The lakes are surrounded by green hills with a cool climate.
Manokwari is home to some of Indonesia’s best conservation and ecotourism sites:
This national park is famous for being a conservation area and the habitat of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the world’s largest fish. Visitors can experience swimming with whale sharks in the calm waters of the bay, making it one of the top marine attractions in Indonesia.
A paradise for researchers, nature lovers, and birdwatchers, this reserve is home to rare and endemic wildlife, including various species of Birds-of-Paradise, tree kangaroos, and unique tropical plants.
Manokwari’s economy is supported by several key sectors:
Manokwari is known for its delicious and unique traditional dishes, including:
A signature dish from Manokwari, this grilled fish is famous for its spicy and flavorful sambal, which gives it a unique taste compared to other grilled fish in Indonesia.
A traditional Papuan dish, Papeda is made from sago, giving it a sticky texture, and is usually served with yellow fish soup, a savory dish cooked with turmeric and local spices.
Manokwari’s population consists of indigenous Papuan tribes, such as the Arfak people, along with migrants from other parts of Indonesia. The local culture remains strong, including traditional dances, wood carvings, and indigenous customs.
In addition to Indonesian, local languages such as Arfak and Meyah are spoken. The majority of the population adheres to Protestant and Catholic Christianity, with some Muslim and other religious communities also present.
Manokwari is accessible by air, sea, and land transportation:
Manokwari is the education center of West Papua, with several higher education institutions, including:
The 12th International Flora Malesiana Symposium and the International Nature-Based Solutions Conference (NBCS). Bringing together leading scientists, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and conservation practitioners to explore the critical role of biodiversity and nature-based solutions in addressing climate change and sustainable development