[5] The Sultanate later granted the Dutch colonial government permission to settle in Papua, including in Fakfak.

[7][10] Fakfak has a small community of Muslim Arab and Indian Indonesians, descended from traders and religious teachers who came to Papua in the 19th century and possibly earlier; this minority population has decreased recently due to Fakfak's diminishing role as a port town.

Islamization in Fakfak occurred due to Fakfak being part of the broader trading relationship with the Maluku Islands, intermarriages between traders with native nutmeg producing tribes, informal religious education through Muslim missionaries, and through political channels as native kingdoms and their aristocracy adopted Islam.

The majority of local ethnic groups are member of Mbaham Matta Wuh, who traditionally cook with cauldron which is balanced over three stones.

There is a monument symbolizing this philosophy located in the center of Fakfak to commemorate its multiculturalism and tolerance.

[14] Fakfak has 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) of white sand beaches, located approximately half an hour from the town.