History of Sentani

Origins and First Settlements

The history of Sentani is inextricably linked with the lake of the same name, on whose shores and islands life thrived long before the appearance of modern maps. Unlike cities founded by decree, Sentani formed organically as a conglomeration of traditional indigenous villages.

Although an exact "founding" date is absent, the region became known to the outside world through European expeditions. However, for the local inhabitants, history is measured by centuries of residence of tribes that migrated here from other parts of the island and created a unique lake civilisation.

Key Development Factors

Several strategic circumstances determined Sentani's emergence as a significant settlement:

• Geography and Resources: Lake Sentani served as an inexhaustible source of fresh water and fish, while the surrounding hills provided natural protection and fertile soil for sago palms.
• Transport Hub: A decisive moment in modern history was the construction of an airstrip in the mid-20th century. The favourable location on the plain between the lake and the mountains allowed for the creation of an airfield here, which subsequently became the main air gateway of Papua, turning Sentani into a key logistics centre.

Early Culture and Economy

Before the arrival of modern urbanisation, the region's economy and culture had a distinctly traditional character, based on harmony with nature:

• Aquatic Lifestyle: Locals built their homes on stilts directly over the water, creating entire floating villages, which facilitated access to fishing.
• Traditional Art: Sentani is famous for its unique bark painting (khombo). Initially, these ornaments held sacred meaning and were used in clothing and rituals.
• Social Hierarchy: Community life was regulated by chiefs called ondofolo. Their power and authority played a key role in resource management and resolving disputes between clans.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1898 — Christian missionary G.L. Bink gives the region the name "Sentani", which translates from the local dialect as "we live here in peace".
• April 1942 — Construction of a runway system begins in the territory, which subsequently defined Sentani's role as an aviation hub.
• 22 April 1944 — During Operation "Reckless", American landing forces occupy the airfield, turning it into a strategic Allied facility.
• 1944–1945 — Sentani serves as a major base and temporary headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur in the Pacific Theatre of Operations.
• 1954 — The first missionary flights to the Baliem Valley are made from Sentani Airport, opening air communication with isolated highland areas.
• June 2008 — The first annual Lake Sentani Festival takes place, designed to preserve the unique traditions and art of local tribes.
• October 2019 — Management of the main airport is transferred to the state-owned company PT Angkasa Pura I, marking the beginning of a large-scale modernisation of terminals and infrastructure.
• 2021 — Sentani becomes the centre of the country's sporting life, hosting events of the XX National Sports Week (PON XX). The main arena for the events was the modern Lukas Enembe Stadium, grandly opened for this occasion.

Stages of Sentani's Transformation

The development of Sentani is a journey from traditional lake settlements to the most important logistical and administrative centre of the region. Several key stages that shaped the modern look of the city can be highlighted:

• Creation of a Strategic Airbase (1940s) — During World War II, Allied forces built an extensive system of runways here.
  Significance: This event forever changed the economic profile of the district, transforming it from an agrarian zone into the main transport hub of Papua, connecting the island with the outside world.
• Becoming the "Gateway" to the Highlands (1950s) — The commencement of missionary and small aviation flights to inaccessible areas, such as the Baliem Valley.
  Significance: Sentani became a key transit base for supplying inland territories, which stimulated the development of trade, warehouses, and the service sector in the city.
• Confirmation of Administrative Status — Consolidating Sentani's role as the capital of the Jayapura Regency (Kabupaten Jayapura).
  Significance: The transfer of administrative functions led to population growth, the construction of government buildings, and the development of urban infrastructure independent of the neighbouring city of Jayapura.
• Institutionalisation of Culture (2008) — Establishment of the annual Lake Sentani Festival.
  Significance: A transition from local preservation of traditions to the development of event tourism. This attracted the attention of investors and travellers, making culture part of the urban economy.
• Airport Modernisation (2010s — Present) — Expansion of terminals and transfer of management to a major state operator.
  Significance: Increased capacity and comfort levels allowed for accommodating more flights, strengthening the city's status as the business centre of the region.
• Urban Development Surge for PON XX (2021) — Preparation for the National Sports Week and the construction of the Lukas Enembe Stadium.
  Significance: The most large-scale infrastructure renewal in recent history: new roads, world-class sports facilities, and landscaped public spaces appeared.

Urban Structure

The urban development of Sentani is driven by its geographical position between the Cyclops Mountains and Lake Sentani. The city has a linear-nodal structure, stretched along the main transport artery connecting the airport with the city of Jayapura. Urbanisation here has a dual character: on one hand, spontaneous development of coastal zones, and on the other, planned quarters of the administrative centre and the sports cluster.

Architectural Styles and Eras

In the appearance of Sentani, centuries-old traditions of indigenous peoples intertwine with modern engineering solutions implemented in recent decades.

• Traditional Folk Architecture (Vernacular Architecture)
  Era: From ancient times to the present day.
  Characteristic: The dominant style in the coastal villages of Lake Sentani. Houses are erected on wooden stilts over the water. Local materials are used: wood, bamboo, and sago palm leaves for roofing (although now they are often replaced by galvanised iron). The layout of settlements is oriented towards water communications rather than land roads.
• Utilitarian Functionalism
  Era: Second half of the 20th century (after the 1960s).
  Characteristic: A style characteristic of Indonesia's rapid urbanisation. Represented by standard concrete buildings: administrative offices, schools, and commercial structures in the "ruko" format (ruko — shophouse). The architecture is concise, devoid of decoration, with an emphasis on practicality and seismic resistance.
• Postmodernism and Neo-Vernacular Style
  Era: 21st century (especially the preparation period for PON XX 2021).
  Characteristic: Modern public buildings in which advanced construction technologies are combined with visual citations from local culture. Architects strive to give concrete and steel structures forms reminiscent of traditional household items or Papuan dwellings.

Iconic Buildings and Sites

The look of modern Sentani is shaped by several key objects reflecting different stages of its development:

• Lukas Enembe Stadium (formerly Papua Bangkit)
  Style: High-tech with ethnic elements.
  One of the most impressive sports facilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The shape of the stadium is inspired by the traditional Papuan hut "honai", and the façade is decorated with ornaments stylised after the carvings of the Asmat tribe. This is a vivid example of how national identity is expressed through monumental architecture.
• Sentani Airport (Terminal)
  Style: Modern functionalism with regional decor.
  The terminal building features characteristic pitched roofs reminiscent of lake waves or traditional shelters. The interior and exterior utilise motifs characteristic of Lake Sentani art (khombo painting), which immediately immerses arriving tourists in the local cultural context.
• Government Building Complex (Gunung Merah)
  Style: Administrative official style.
  Located on the "Red Mountain" elevation, the Jayapura Regency administration building complex represents a modern administrative hub dominating the landscape and symbolising Sentani's status as the district capital.

Distinguished Personalities of Sentani

The history of Sentani is closely interwoven with the fates of traditional chiefs, world military commanders, and modern reformers. Here are the key figures who left a noticeable mark on the chronicles of the city and region:

• Dortheys "Theys" Hiyo Eluay
  Role: Traditional chief (ondofolo) and influential political leader.
  Significance: A native of Sereh village (Sentani district). He was one of the most charismatic figures in the public life of Papua in the late 20th century. His authority among the local population was unquestionable. In 2020, Sentani International Airport was officially renamed in his honour, immortalising his memory at the region's main air harbour.
• Douglas MacArthur
  Role: General of the US Army, commander of Allied forces in the Southwest Pacific Area.
  Significance: During World War II (1944–1945), he chose Sentani as the location for his headquarters. He lived in a residence on Ifar Hill (Ifar Gunung), which offers a panoramic view of the lake and the airfield. It was from here that he planned the operation to liberate the Philippines. Today, a memorial stands at the site of his headquarters, serving as a popular attraction.
• Barnabas Suebu
  Role: Diplomat and statesman, former Governor of Papua province.
  Significance: Born directly in Sentani. Known for his initiatives to protect tropical forests and community development programmes ("RESPEK"). His career is an example of how a native of the local lake community reached heights in national politics and international diplomacy (serving as the Indonesian ambassador).
• G.L. Bink
  Role: Christian missionary and pioneer.
  Significance: Played a fundamental role in the toponymy of the region. In 1898, he was the first to use the name "Sentani" to designate the lake and the surrounding territory, adapting a local expression. His records are a valuable source of information about the life of indigenous peoples before the start of active colonisation.
• Lukas Enembe
  Role: Politician, Governor of Papua province (2013–2023).
  Significance: Although he hails from the highlands, his name is inextricably linked with the modern urbanisation of Sentani. He was the main initiator of transforming the city into the sports capital of the region, lobbying for the construction of the grand stadium (now bearing his name) and the hosting of the National Sports Week (PON XX), which radically renewed the city's infrastructure.
• Habel Melkias Suwae
  Role: Politician, former Regent of Jayapura district.
  Significance: A native of these parts who made a huge contribution to the cultural revival of the region. It was he who became the ideologue and founder of the annual Lake Sentani Festival (FDS), turning local traditions into an international-level tourism brand.