Run Island, a tale of blood and forgotten glory

Run Island, scarcely known to most Indonesians, was once coveted by European traders. The Dutch and the British engaged in numerous battles over the nutmeg-producing island in Banda waters. The Dutch were very pleased when, at the end of the second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667), Britain was prepared to exchange Run for Manhattan, a large island on the American continent, on the bank of the Hudson River. The Run-Manhattan agreement, signed on July 31, 1667, is known as the Breda Treaty. This year, 350 years after the event, Manhattan has grown into one of the five boroughs that make up New York City. Manhattan, littered with skyscrapers, has become the world's business center and a magnet for all kinds of advancements. Run, on the other hand, is an isolated island facing the burdensome predicament of water shortage. Tempo explored the treaty's history to write our report on the nearly forgotten Run Island. We also report on an art exhibition in New York held to commemorate the Run-Manhattan swap.