In Aitumieri of Wondama Bay, The Dutch Built School for the Indigenous Papuan People

Aitumieri was a place in Wondama bay where Dutch Zendeling built the first school for the education of the indigenous Papuan people.

In January 1923, I.S. Kijne, together with his coleagues F. Slumpt and Yohanes Eygendaal, left Rotterdam for Mansinam island. It took 5 months to reach the island. They arrived in Mansinam.

Dutch tourists in Aitumieri of Wondama regency

Kijne made an initial trip to Miei and some villages in Wondama bay in January 1925. He decided to choose Aitumieri hill as the place for school that he wanted to build. The school with dormitory in Mansinam was relocated to Aitumeieri Hill of Miei area in Wondama Bay in October 1925. The name of the school was Opleidingsschool voor Volksonderwijzers (Training School for Popular Educators). Kijne was helped by Gosal a teacher from Manado (for more advanced classes) and Joh. Ariks from Mansinam. In 1933, the school was expanded to also educate evangelists where J. Bijkerk worked there as a teacher for years.

From 1925 to 1941 there were around 250 students that had studied in that school. Years later, they would work in the fields of education, church, and government. 

Now Wondama regency is trying to develop its region as tourist destination. Tourists can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, at the beach, or dore more explorations on the islands to see the beautiful nature and meet its friendly people. 

Ecotourism attractions in Wondama

Most of the territory of Wondama is still covered by rainforest. So it is also a nice destination for those who like to watch tropical birds, and wildlife.

If you are interested in visiting this historical site, please, contact us by email to: dpdhpiwestpapua@gmail.com or send text message to Charles Roring at this whatsapp number: +6281332245180.

Reference:

Ajaib di Mata Kita III (Dit Wonderlijke Werk), Dr. F.C. Kamma, 1994