In educating the world cultural and natural heritage is not only to help young people to appreciate the remarkable achievement of the past but to teach them how to participate actively in safeguarding them so that they could contribute to the forging of a better common future. The learning process for all elements of society can be done with various aspects, namely: learn to know, learn to do, learn to be, and learn live to together. This is a source of value that can be used as inspiration for future generations to always think critically analytical. Besides, as a vehicle for the growth of a sense of pride , character building which are expected to bring sense of belonging and sense of obligation.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

History of Jakarta on the island of Onrust

Onrust island

Named after the Dutch word which means without a break, Onrust Island plays an important role in the history of Batavia. In the 16th century, this island is the resting place of the kings of Banten. Once the Dutch arrived, the island is used as an asset in order to strengthen their occupation.

The function of the island is constantly changing according to political conditionsJakarta - which also constantly changing. Noted, the island was once a wharf, fort,ammunition dump, to the sawmills and workshops for damaged ships.


Onrust island is not really friendly to the explorers. Hot tropical weather and the condition of heavily wooded island is one of the reasons. Not surprisingly, there is a myth that the inhabitants of this island will die young.

A medical book written by Thomas and George Underwood in 1827 describes theexpedition of the British royal troops to Batavia in August 1800. Mentioned, there are 12 army regiments (127 personnel) who landed on the island of Onrust in good health.Due to a mysterious illness, only 62 were returned. The rest were killed without a chance to fight.

Myths die young is also strengthened by the ruins of the Dutch cemetery at the end of the island. Some graves are still intact show, the residents died before the age of 30 years. In Johanna's gravestone Kalf, wife of the ruler, instead writing that he died at the age of 25 years.


Since the 16th century, the island was built, destroyed, rebuilt, then destroyeduninhabited. At the time of independence, the island was used as a quarantineinfectious disease. Since the 1970's, the island was neglected. The building wasdismantled and the remaining debris.

Now there's only remaining foundations of the ancient fortress, as well as dormitoriespilgrimage of late occupation of the Netherlands.

Tombs, ruins and shadows of the trees that grow fast to make this island appeareddark atmosphere. History is full of twists that ultimately stored in the silence of the ruins and trees.

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