Aceh's Banyak Islands prepare to temp tourist

Aceh's Banyak Islands prepare to temp tourist

By Heru Dwi Suryatmojo

BANDA ACEH, Aceh (Antara): Banyak Islands near southern Aceh are preparing to become one of the major tourist destinations in the western-tip province.

Banyak Islands, formerly part of South Aceh regency, had its administrative status moved to Aceh Singkil on March 26, 1999, and is determined to develop it into a tourist haven.

Aceh Singkil relies heavily on plantations for revenue and it hopes that tourism will become the second biggest source of income. Banyak Islands are only one of numerous places with breathtaking natural beauty still remaining.

Regent Makmur Syahputra says he doesn't have any doubts that the natural beauty of the islands will become the next largest income provider as long as everything goes as planned.

Banyak islands are acclaimed for its gorgeous beach panorama and lush underwater landscape. The islands consist of 99 islets, and boasts rare species like green turtles on Bengkaru island.

The sprawling 18,000 hectares of Banyak Islands lie in the Indian Ocean, about 20 miles from Singkil, the capital of Aceh Singkil. Only several islands are inhabited, including Tuanku Island, Balai Island and Ujung Batu. According to official statistics, the whole population of Banyak Islands is about 5,000.

Makmur says Banyak Islands are becoming increasingly well- known among western holidaymakers. Although only about 100 foreign tourists visit the islands every year, tourism is expected to grow once promotion is stepped up.

Preservation of green turtles on Bengkaru Island will be promoted as the main attraction.

Almost extinct

A local environmentalist, Mahmud Bangkaru, said the green turtles are highly endangered and therefore protected by law. The animals are sought after for their eggs and meat.

Unchecked poaching has led the turtles to the brink of extinction, he says.

In the early 90s between only seven and 17 turtles laid eggs every night, he says.

"Locals collected the eggs and killed the turtles to be sold on the mainland for their meat and skin," Mahmud said.

Thanks to information campaigns and better supervision, the condition has changed for the better over the past several years. Local environmentalists have founded Banyak Islands Foundation.

Mahmud, a Swedish national, says the green turtle has become Banyak Islands' trademark and a great attraction for foreign tourists.

Visitors to Bangkaru Island can see turtles lay eggs in a natural habitat on Amandangan beach.

Regent Makmur Syahputra says the lack of adequate sea transportation between the islands and the mainland accounts for a major hurdle in the development of tourism in the area.

At present, there is only one boat which serves passengers from the mainland to Banyak Island every Wednesday.

The motorboat can carry up to 15 people and will reach the nearest island in four hours.

The transportation to remote destinations allows only holidaymakers who have between two to three weeks to visit the islands.

Consequently, not many visitors can afford the time or the money for a long stay, he says.

A better arrangement of transportation, therefore, has become a top priority in the development for tourism. In the future, the regent says, there will be a regular ferry that can serve the route on a daily basis.

Accommodation at Banyak Islands is provided by local residents at their houses.

The regent's plan has received strong support from Aceh governor Syamsuddin Mahmud, who visited the islands recently and was impressed by the tremendous potential.

Although Banyak Islands are rarely advertised, the governor said, the place was becoming popular among foreign holidaymakers.

"Cleanliness and conservation of natural resources on the islands have to receive due attention from the local government," he said.

"The preservation of green turtles on Bengkaru island has to be maintained. Coral reefs and various exotic fish have to be protected."

The governor also ordered the regent to stop fish bombing which destroys much of the precious coral reefs and other underwater life around the islands.

"I'm pretty sure the development of tourism on the islands will bring prosperity to local residents," Syamsuddin said.