History of Langgur

Langgur is the administrative centre of the Southeast Maluku Regency, located on Kei Kecil Island. This city plays a pivotal role in the life of the archipelago, serving as a vital transport and cultural hub in the eastern part of Indonesia.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Langgur differs from many ancient port cities in the region. Its active development began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was closely linked to the arrival of European missionaries on the Kei Islands. The settlement was chosen as a base for establishing educational and religious infrastructure. It was the construction of the first schools and stone mission buildings that laid the foundation for transforming a small village into a modern city.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: Langgur is situated on flat terrain, which favoured the construction of roads and administrative buildings. Its proximity to the strait separating Kei Kecil and Dullah islands made it a convenient logistics point.
• Infrastructural Links: A significant factor in its growth was the construction of a bridge connecting Langgur with the neighbouring historical trade centre — the city of Tual. This allowed for the unification of the economic potential of both settlements.
• Political Status: In recent history, the decision to make Langgur the capital of the regency (Kabupaten) played a key role. The transfer of administrative functions attracted civil servants and stimulated the development of the service sector.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the settlement's economy was based on subsistence farming, root crop cultivation, and coastal fishing. Culturally, Langgur quickly became a centre of education and enlightenment for the entire archipelago. A unique social environment formed here, where introduced European traditions harmoniously intertwined with the local code of honour and customary law known as "Larvul Ngabal".

Major Historical Milestones

• 15th–16th Centuries — The period of formation for the traditional way of life and the "Larvul Ngabal" code of laws, which laid the social foundation for society on the Kei Islands.
• 1889 — The arrival of Catholic missionaries and the founding of a mission station, considered the beginning of Langgur's establishment as an organised settlement.
• Early 20th Century — The opening of the first permanent schools and the introduction of a European education system, making the city the educational centre of the region.
• 1945 — The end of the colonial period and the territory's integration into the independent Republic of Indonesia.
• 1990s — Modernisation of the Usdek bridge, reliably linking Langgur with the neighbouring trading city of Tual and improving economic exchange.
• 2007 — Administrative reform, during which Tual received the status of an autonomous city, creating the prerequisites for relocating the regency centre.
• 2011 — Langgur was officially approved as the capital of the Southeast Maluku Regency, leading to active urban development.
• 2014 — Commissioning of the new Karel Sadsuitubun Airport, ensuring modern air connectivity with other parts of the archipelago.

Stages of Development and Key Transformations

The development of the city of Langgur is a journey from a quiet village to the administrative heart of the region. Unlike many trading ports, this city grew and changed primarily due to educational initiatives and government decisions. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance of the city in Indonesia.

• Establishment of a Missionary Centre. The selection of Langgur as a base for the Catholic mission in the late 19th century became the foundation of its development. This event brought the first stone structures, schools, and hospitals to the city, turning it into the educational and spiritual centre of the Kei archipelago.
• Construction of the Usdek (Watdek) Bridge. The erection of the bridge across the narrow strait separating Langgur from the neighbouring city of Tual was of critical economic importance. This engineering structure effectively united the two settlements into a single agglomeration, ensuring the uninterrupted exchange of goods and services.
• Obtaining Regency Capital Status. The official designation of Langgur as the administrative centre of Southeast Maluku in 2011 launched a new wave of urbanisation. The relocation of government institutions stimulated the construction of office buildings and housing for employees.
• Opening of Karel Sadsuitubun Airport. The commissioning of the new air harbour in 2014 (replacing the old airfield) allowed for the reception of modern, larger-capacity aircraft. This radically improved logistics and made the region more accessible to tourists and investors.
• Modernisation of the Road Network. The change in the city's status led to large-scale asphalt paving and road widening. Creating high-quality transport arteries connected the centre with remote districts of Kei Kecil Island, simplifying market access for farmers.
• Development of the Tourism Cluster. Improvement of the areas and roads leading to the famous Ngurbloat Beach (Pasir Panjang) turned Langgur into a convenient base for travellers. This gave impetus to the growth of small businesses: the appearance of hotels, guest houses, and restaurants.

Architectural Appearance and Development Stages

The architecture of Langgur represents an interesting combination of religious historical heritage and modern administrative functionalism. Unlike densely populated metropolises, low-rise buildings predominate here, harmoniously integrated into the flat tropical landscape. The city's appearance was formed under the influence of two main factors: missionary activity in the late 19th century and large-scale infrastructure construction in the 21st century.

Religious Architecture and European Influence

The historical core of the city is the district where the oldest educational and religious institutions are located. It is here that one can see buildings reflecting the era of the settlement's formation.

• Missionary Style: Old stone buildings, erected during the period of Dutch presence, are distinguished by their durability and strict forms. These are capital structures with thick walls and high ceilings for natural ventilation, adapted to the humid climate of Indonesia.
• Landmark Objects: The architectural dominant feature is the main Catholic church (Langgur Cathedral). This majestic building with elements of neo-gothic and classical styles serves as a visual landmark and symbol of the spiritual history of the Kei Islands.

Modern Administrative Style and Modernism

After receiving the status of the capital of the Southeast Maluku Regency, Langgur experienced a construction boom that brought features of modern architecture to the cityscape.

• Administrative Functionalism: New government complexes, such as the Regent's Office (Kantor Bupati), are executed in a modern style. They are characterised by scale, clear geometric lines, the use of concrete and glass, as well as spacious parking zones.
• Eclecticism in the Private Sector: Residential development represents a mix of traditional Indonesian houses and modern concrete cottages. Elements stylised after local culture, such as specific roof shapes, are frequently encountered.

Urban Planning Structure

The layout of Langgur differs from the neighbouring city of Tual by being more spacious and orderly. The city develops along the main transport arteries connecting the centre with the airport and the port. An important urban-forming element is the area of the Usdek (Watdek) bridge, where commercial activity is concentrated, and the architecture acquires the features of a modern shopping district with shops and cafes.

Prominent Figures of Langgur and the Kei Islands

The history of Langgur and the surrounding archipelago is inextricably linked with the names of people who influenced the culture, religion, and formation of statehood in the region. Below are key figures who left a noticeable mark on the chronicles of this part of Indonesia.

• Karel Satsuit Tubun
  National Hero of Indonesia, Police Officer
  A native of the region (born in the neighbouring settlement of Rumadian), who became a symbol of devotion to duty. He served in the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) and died in 1965 protecting government officials during an attempted coup d'état. Langgur's airport bears his name, as does a warship of the Indonesian Navy.
• Johannes Aerts
  Bishop, Apostolic Vicar
  A Dutch missionary who played a fundamental role in the development of Langgur as a centre of Catholicism in the Maluku Islands. He oversaw the construction of the city's educational and religious institutions. He tragically died in Langgur at the hands of Japanese occupation forces in 1942, remaining with his flock during difficult times.
• Dit Sakmas
  Legendary Princess, Lawmaker
  A historical figure revered as one of the creators of "Larvul Ngabal" — the traditional code of laws and ethics of the Kei Islands. Her legacy still regulates social relations and norms of behaviour for local residents, serving as the basis of the region's cultural identity.
• Henricus Geurtjens
  Missionary, Anthropologist, Linguist
  Arrived in Langgur in the early 20th century. Beyond his religious activities, he became the first serious researcher of the culture and language of the Kei people. His works preserved unique ethnographic data, myths, and customs of the local population for future generations.
• Mathias Neyens
  Clergyman, Mission Founder
  The first Apostolic Prefect who, in 1903, officially established Langgur as the main centre of the Catholic mission in the region. It was his decision that predetermined the fate of the settlement, transforming it from an ordinary village into an educational and administrative hub.
• Bon Setitit
  Statesman, Administrator
  A native of the Kei Islands who served in high administrative posts (controller) during the era of emerging independence. Known for his contribution to the development of infrastructure and governance in the eastern regions of the archipelago, he is revered as an example of honest public service.