Tarakan history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Tarakan is deeply rooted in the distant past and is inextricably linked to the history of the Tidung Kingdom (Kerajaan Tidung). Although the exact date of the settlement's founding has been lost to the centuries, it is known that the island long served as a vital point for local seafarers. According to local legends, the city's name originates from the Tidung language: from the words "Tarak" (meeting place) and "Ngakan" (to eat), indicating the island's role as a resting spot for fishermen and traders who met here to exchange goods and share meals.

The modern history of the city began in the late 19th century with the arrival of the Dutch colonial administration. A key turning point was the discovery of oil fields in 1896 by the BPM company (Bataafse Petroleum Maatschappij), which transformed a quiet fishing village into a strategically important industrial centre.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of Tarakan from a small settlement into a thriving city was driven by several fundamental factors:

• "Black Gold": The discovery of oil became the main driver of development. Since the early 20th century, infrastructure began to develop actively here; processing plants and housing for workers were built, attracting a stream of migrants.
• Geographical Location: Being an island in a river delta, Tarakan occupied a strategic position on trade routes in the northern part of Kalimantan and the Sulawesi Sea. This made it a natural port and logistics hub.
• Trade Hub: Even before the oil boom, the island served as a site for barter trade between the inhabitants of Borneo's interior and maritime merchants, exchanging forest resources for salt and fish.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Tarakan was based on maritime trades. The indigenous population, the Tidung people, traditionally engaged in fishing and gathering seafood. The cultural landscape was shaped under the influence of Islamic traditions and close ties with neighbouring Malay sultanates.

With the advent of the oil industry in the early 20th century, the economic structure changed dramatically. The city became a cosmopolitan centre where specialists from Europe and workers from Java and other islands of the archipelago flocked, creating a unique blend of cultures against the backdrop of a growing industrial landscape.

The Kingdom Era and Colonial Period

• 1076 — The estimated start date of the Tidung royal dynasty's rule, laying the foundations of the region's cultural identity.
• 1896 — The Dutch oil company BPM discovers oil reserves on the island, predetermining its industrial future.
• 1905 — The beginning of industrial exploitation of oil wells, turning Tarakan into a major economic centre of the East Indies.
• January 1942 — The island becomes a zone of strategic interest during World War II due to its rich fuel resources.

Establishment and Development of the City

• May 1945 — The end of the occupation period and the beginning of the reconstruction of destroyed oil production infrastructure.
• 1949 — Tarakan officially becomes part of the territory of the independent Republic of Indonesia.
• 1981 — Receipt of Administrative City status (Kota Administratif) within the province of East Kalimantan.
• 15 December 1997 — Official transformation into an autonomous municipality (Kota Tarakan) with its own governance.

Modern History

• 2012 — Tarakan becomes part of the newly formed province of North Kalimantan, becoming its key economic driver.
• 2015 — The President of Indonesia opens the new terminal of Juwata Airport, strengthening the city's status as a transport hub.
• 2016 — The city's population exceeds 200,000 people, confirming its status as the largest settlement in the province.
• Present Day — The city continues to develop as a centre for trade, services, and eco-tourism in the Borneo region.

Stages of City Transformation

The development of Tarakan is a journey from a small trading post to a modern industrial and logistics centre of North Kalimantan. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city:

• Oil Industrialisation (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)
  Significance: The discovery of oil radically changed the way of life. From a traditional fishing settlement, Tarakan turned into a technologically developed enclave. This attracted specialists from Europe and workers from other islands, forming a diverse ethnic composition of the population.
• Post-War Reconstruction (1945–1950s)
  Significance: After the devastation of World War II, the city was practically rebuilt from scratch. The restoration of oil production became a priority for the young Indonesian republic, ensuring state investment and jobs for the city.
• Obtaining Municipality Status (Kota Tarakan, 1997)
  Significance: Administrative independence from the Bulungan district allowed local authorities to manage the budget independently. This launched large-scale urban planning projects and the improvement of the road network and social facilities.
• Establishment of the University of Borneo Tarakan (Early 2000s)
  Significance: The opening of a state university transformed the city into the educational centre of the region. The emergence of a student community revitalised cultural life and stimulated the service and housing rental sectors.
• Integration into North Kalimantan Province (2012)
  Significance: By becoming part of the new province, Tarakan secured its role as its main "economic engine" and trade gateway, while administrative functions went to the city of Tanjung Selor.
• Global Modernisation of Juwata Airport (2015)
  Significance: The opening of the new terminal raised transport accessibility to a new level. The airport became a pivotal hub connecting remote areas of northern Borneo with Jakarta and Surabaya, which is critical for business and tourism.
• Development of Conservation Zones within the City
  Significance: The creation of a mangrove forest reserve and the protection of proboscis monkeys marked a turn towards ecology. The city began to position itself not only as an industrial base but also as a destination for eco-tourism (a "Green City").

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The architecture of Tarakan is a unique chronicle in which the traditions of coastal peoples, the pragmatism of Dutch colonisers, and the dynamics of a modern Indonesian city are intertwined. Here, you are unlikely to find classical Gothic or lavish Baroque; the city's appearance was shaped by the tropical climate, the oil industry, and the necessity of reconstruction after the destruction of World War II.

Traditional Architecture: Life on Water

Historically, Tarakan's urban planning was dictated by geography — swampy mangrove shores and tides.

• Stilt Structures: The most authentic style, preserved in fishing districts, is wooden houses on stilts. Such architecture allows buildings to "breathe" in the hot climate and protects homes from high water.
• Materials: The use of local timber (Ulin or "ironwood") ensured the durability of structures in conditions of high humidity.

Colonial Functionalism and the "Oil Era"

The period of Dutch administration (early 20th century) brought a European approach to planning in Tarakan, subordinated to the needs of oil production. This style can be characterised as colonial functionalism.

• District Planning: An interesting feature of urban planning is the district naming system: "Kampung Satu" (Village One), "Kampung Enam" (Village Six). This is a legacy of the Dutch administration, which built residential quarters for oil workers in numbered sectors.
• Landmark Building: A striking example of that era is the Rumah Bundar (Round House). Built in the 1930s, this building with a characteristic low roof and louvres for ventilation initially served as housing for Dutch employees and is now a museum.

Military-Historical Landscape

A unique feature of Tarakan's urban environment is the integration of military fortifications into residential development. Due to the fierce battles of 1942 and 1945, concrete pillboxes and bunkers (Peninggalan Sejarah) are scattered throughout the city, which today coexist with modern houses and parks, serving as a reminder of the island's strategic importance.

Modernity: Eclecticism and Islamic Style

Since the late 20th century, the city has been actively built up with concrete and glass, following general Indonesian trends.

• Ruko (Shophouses): The basis of commercial streets consists of "ruko" (an abbreviation of rumah toko — shop house). These are 2-3 storey utilitarian concrete buildings where the ground floor is dedicated to business, and the upper floors to housing.
• Religious Architecture: The dominant feature of modern Tarakan has become the Islamic Centre and the Baitul Izzah Mosque (Masjid Baitul Izzah). This monumental structure combines elements of Middle Eastern architecture with modern engineering solutions, serving as the city's main visual landmark.
• Administrative Buildings: Modern government institutions are often stylised to resemble traditional forms, using roof elements characteristic of the Dayak and Tidung cultures to emphasise the regional identity of North Kalimantan.

Distinguished Personalities and Historical Figures

The history of Tarakan is inextricably linked with the names of rulers, reformers, and heroes who left a mark not only in the chronicles of the island but also in the history of Indonesia and even the world. Below are the key persons who shaped the image and legacy of the city.

• Datu Adil
  Role: Ruler and public figure.
  Significance: One of the most revered figures in the history of the local Tidung people. Datu Adil played an important role in preserving traditions and governing the region in the first half of the 20th century. His name is immortalised in the name of the main city stadium, emphasising his status as a symbol of local identity.
• Jusuf Serang Kasim
  Role: Physician, first Mayor of Tarakan (1999–2009).
  Significance: Often referred to as the "Father of Modern Tarakan". It was under his leadership that the city received the status of an independent municipality and made a leap in economic development. His initiatives laid the foundation for modern infrastructure, turning the island into the trade centre of the province.
• Thomas "Diver" Derrick
  Role: Lieutenant in the Australian Army.
  Significance: An Australian national hero who fell in the Battle of Tarakan in May 1945. He is known for his exceptional courage during the assault on the strategic "Freda" ridge, for which he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. His story attracts many tourists and historians from Australia to the city.
• Anang Busra
  Role: Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, independence fighter.
  Significance: An outstanding military figure hailing from North Kalimantan. A participant in military operations to defend Indonesia's sovereignty. In recognition of his services, the Air Force base located in Tarakan bears his name (Lanud Anang Busra).
• John Mackey
  Role: Corporal in the Australian Armed Forces.
  Significance: Another hero of World War II whose name is linked to the liberation of the island. Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for heroism displayed during the attack on Japanese fortifications on Tarakan. The city's war memorials preserve the memory of him and his comrades.
• Haji Udin Hianggio (H. Udin Hianggio)
  Role: Politician, former Mayor of Tarakan and Vice-Governor of North Kalimantan.
  Significance: A continuator of the city's modernisation efforts. His political career is closely connected with the integration of Tarakan into the structure of the new North Kalimantan province, the strengthening of social programmes, and the development of inter-regional ties.