The Trikora operation is one of the most important things for Indonesians, especially West Papuans. This is related to the history of West Irian merging with the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. Therefore, the government established the Trikora Monument to commemorate this event.
In the West Papua Province, there are at least three monuments related to the Trikora operation. Those are located in South Sorong, Kaimana, and Bintuni Bay. However, because this event is very important, there are also Trikora Monuments outside West Papua as well. Here is the story about it!
The Monument of Trikora in South Sorong Regency
The first monument related to the Trikora operation is located in the South Sorong Regency. This Sorong Trikora Monument has a very deep meaning for West Papuans. This is where the Republic of Indonesia’s flag was flown for the first time. That’s why this place is full of history.
Locals also call this monument the Monument Merah Putih. You can find this monument at Wersar Village in Teminabuan District, South Sorong Regency, West Papua. It was built from 1964 to 1965, a few years after the Trikora operation started. However, sadly, this monument is abandoned.
The central and local governments are not paying attention to this monument. There is no special maintenance that is done on this historical site. Only locals who occasionally come to take care of this place.
This certainly cannot be allowed because it has a deep history. Both the government and the community must work together to manage this monument.
The Monument of Trikora in Kaimana Regency
Aside from Sorong, there is also the Kaimana Trikora Monument. Locals also call this monument the Pepera Monument, which has a significant and deep history related to the Trikora operation. It is located at the T-junction of Trikora Street and R.A. Kartini Kaimana Street.
This is because the monument is one of the integration markers between Papua and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Fortunately, up until now, the local community and government still manage that place very well.
The monument is still functioning. And they often use it to fly the Indonesian flag, especially on big and important days, for example, on the independence day of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Monument of Trikora in Bintuni Bay
Then there is also a monument of Trikora that is located in Bintuni Bay. Bintuni Bay Trikora Monument is also one of the traces of the liberation of West Irian. To be precise, from the Dutch. It is located in Babo District. They participated in the return of West Irian to the Republic of Indonesia.
The government and citizens built this monument as a form of appreciation. It is for the heroes who have liberated West Irian. With the existence of this monument, they hope it will inspire the younger generations. So, they will be more eager to fight for the betterment of Babo District.
The Monument of Trikora in North Sulawesi
In addition to several places in West Papua, the monument of Trikora also exists in North Sulawesi. To be precise, it is located on Lembeh Island, Batulubang District, Bitung City. Local citizens also call this monument the Tri Kora Monument.
Like in West Papua Province, this monument also has a deep history regarding the Trikora operation. This is where the TNI (Indonesian Army) landed for the first time. It is to liberate West Irian.
Therefore, do not be surprised if this place is historic for Indonesians. It includes West Papuan.
Final Words
So, those are the history behind the Trikora Monument in West Papua. Aside from that, there is also the monument of Trikora that exists in North Sulawesi as well. All of these places are certainly very meaningful and historic for Indonesian. Especially for West Papuan.