Ambon - City of Peace

From Indonesia's struggle for independence to the religious conflicts of the late 20th century, Ambon has witnessed countless battles and sacrifices. Yet, the people of Ambon have put war behind them to build a common home worthy of the title "City of Peace ".

The world peace gong in Ambon.

A Glimpse of History

Portuguese explorers landed on Ambon Island, part of the Maluku Islands, in 1512. Legend says the name "Ambon" comes from the local word "ombong," meaning "morning mist"—due to the island's year-round fog. Europeans established Ambon as a trading center for the entire region. Historically, Ambon has been the site of numerous battles, most notably the 1942 battle between the Allied forces and the Japanese fascists.

Following the overthrow of the Suharto dictatorship and Indonesia's economic plunge into the 1997 Asian financial crisis, a civil war broke out in the Maluku Islands between Catholic and Muslim communities. The conflict ended in 2002 after a ceasefire agreement was reached. After years of intense mistrust, the diverse ethnic and religious communities of Ambon eventually rediscovered unity, transforming Ambon into a peaceful city. UNESCO recognized Ambon as a "Creative City" in 2019, recognizing its rich musical culture.

Ambon isn't a very large or crowded city, so tourists can opt for angkots (brightly colored minivans) that operate on fixed routes. You can hail an angkot just like you would a taxi.

The journey to explore Ambon begins at the monument to the national heroine Martha Christina Tiahahu. Christina Tiahahu participated in the resistance movement against Dutch colonialism and was captured. She went on a hunger strike to protest colonial rule and died while imprisoned on a boat at the young age of 17. After Indonesia gained independence in 1946, Christina Tiahahu was honored as a national hero and has an annual holiday (January 2nd) to commemorate her. The monument to the heroine is located in Ambon overlooking the Banda Sea where she died. Every year on January 2nd, people from all over the island come to lay wreaths at the foot of the Christina Tiahahu monument.

Not far from this monument is the Ambon Martyrs' Cemetery. Here lie over 1,900 Dutch, Australian, and American soldiers who died in a fierce battle with the Japanese in 1942, including 300 Allied prisoners of war massacred by the Japanese in a single day. The cemetery and memorial were built on the site of a former Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. In late January and early February each year, many descendants of the Dutch, Australian, and American martyrs visit the cemetery to remember their ancestors.

Visitors to Ambon should see the World Peace Gong. The Indonesian government cast this large gong in 2002 to demonstrate its commitment to world peace. After its first striking on December 31, 2002, the gong was sent around the world. The gong eventually returned to Indonesia and is now on display on the island of Bali. The Indonesian government also cast many replica gongs to donate to other cities around the world, including Ambon.

Amsterdam Fortress is located not far from the center of Ambon. After years of abandonment, the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture renovated Amsterdam Fortress into a historical monument in 1991. It is now a popular tourist destination thanks to its collection of historical artifacts and accounts of daily life in Indonesia under colonial rule. The stunning sea views are also a major draw for visitors.

The Masjid An-Nur Batu Merah mosque in Ambon is among the oldest surviving mosques in Southeast Asia. Inaugurated in 1575, it has undergone several renovations, most recently in 1988, notably featuring a blue roof. The blue color also permeates the interior, and along with the frescoes and tiles bearing ancient Islamic motifs, creates a sense of serenity and solemnity.

When talking about Ambon music, visitors cannot miss the Sahu Reka-Reka dance performances. This traditional dance in Maluku shares many similarities with the Thai bamboo pole dance. Each Sahu Reka-Reka dance, accompanied by flutes and tifa drums, is like a competition among the dancers. They compete to see who can remain on top without missing a beat as the rhythm quickens. This unique characteristic is what makes the Sahu Reka-Reka dance so attractive to foreign tourists, even though language barriers may separate them.

The sea beckons.

The beaches in Ambon still retain their unspoiled natural beauty. Namalatu Beach, located 15km from the city center, is a popular spot for families to go on picnics. The good water quality and coral reefs at Namalatu also attract many snorkeling enthusiasts. Visitors can even occasionally spot pods of dolphins swimming and diving in Namalatu.

Liang Beach, also known locally as Hunimua Beach, is world-renowned for its endless stretches of white sand and ancient trees lining the shoreline. The United Nations Development Programme once recognized Liang Beach as the most beautiful beach in Indonesia. After a long day exploring Liang Beach, visitors can relax in the village of the same name for a delightful overnight homestay experience.

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