Everything about Bacan totally explained
» "Bachan" redirects here. For the Bachchan family, see Bachchan Family.
Bacan (formerly
Bachan,
Bachian or
Batchian,
Dutch:
Batjan) is an
island in
Indonesia. It is one of the
Molucca Islands, and is separated from the southwestern peninsula of
Halmahera (also called Jilolo or Gilolo) by the
Patinti Strait. To the north are the islands of
Kayoa,
Makian,
Ternate, and
Tidore. It is located at 0°13'- 0°55' S. and 127°22'- 128° E.
Population
The interior of the island is relatively uninhabited and none of the dwellers on the coast are indigenous. They consist of the
Sirani (
Christian descendants of the
Portuguese), of
Malays,
Papuans, and immigrants from other islands. The total number of inhabitants is about 13,000. The most significant town on the island is
Labuha, situated on the west side of the island. Nearby is the town of
Amasing (or
Amasingkota), once a significant settlement on the island.
Language
Several
Austronesian and
non-Austronesian languages are spoken on Bacan, including
Tobelo,
Galela,
Ternate,
Bajau, and
Tukang Besi. However, the indigenous language of Bacan is Bacanese, also known as
Bacan Malay (ISO 693-3
btj
. There is some debate as to whether Bacanese is a
Malay variety or a
Malay-based creole.
Some Bacan words occurs in Wiltens & Danckaerts' 1623 vocabulary. Bacan is also reviewed in Adriani & Kruijt's 1914 monograph. The most detailed studies are by
James T. Collins, who concludes that Bacan is indeed a Malay variety, descended from the Malay used in the Bacan Sultanate.
Geography
The island is of irregular form, consisting of two distinct mountainous parts, united by a low
isthmus, which a slight subsidence would submerge. The total land area is around 1,900 km². The island is in part of
volcanic formation, and the existence of
hot springs points to volcanic activity. There are, however, especially in the southern portion, ancient and non-volcanic rocks. The highest elevation occurs at the south of the island, the mountain of Labua reaching 6,950 ft.
Coal and other minerals have been discovered. A large portion of the island is richly wooded, and
sago,
coconuts and
cloves (which are indigenous) are abundantly produced.
Natural life
Bacan is of interest to
zoologists as the most eastern point on the globe inhabited by any of the
Quadrumana, a black
ape occurring here as in the Moluccas. The island is very rich in birds and insects. Bacan (along with Halmahera)is home for the world's largest bee, the giant mason bee,
Chalicodoma pluto.
History
Bacan was once governed by an indigenous
sultan, with a similar political structure to the more powerful sultanates in Ternate and Tidore.
The first significant European influence in Bacan came from the Portuguese, who established a fort on the island in
1558. In
1609, however, this fort was captured by the
Dutch East India Company, marking the beginning of Dutch rule over Bacan. After
1889, the island's monarchy was replaced by committee of chiefs under the control of Dutch officer.
Colonial interest in Bacan was primarily driven by the
spice trade, which was flourishing in Ternate, Tidore, and Halmahera. The island of Bacan wasn't particularly sought after for its own resources, but rather, to assist control of the more valuable islands nearby. From
1882 onwards, the Batjan Company attempted to exploit the island, but was largely unsuccessful owing to a deficient knowledge of the soil and its capabilities and a lack of labourers.
Bacan has more recently been in the news due to violence between
Christian and
Muslim inhabitants of the island.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Bacan'.
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