Banten Provincial Government to Revitalise Situ Cikedal as a Tourist Destination

The Banten Provincial Government has allocated a budget of approximately Rp9.7 billion to revitalise Situ Cikedal in Cikedal District, Pandeglang Regency, to make it safer, more orderly, and capable of being utilised as a public space as well as a new tourist destination in southern Banten. The Head of the Banten Provincial Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Office, Arlan Marzan, stated on Thursday that the revitalisation project is currently in the tender and evaluation phase. If the entire process proceeds smoothly, physical work is targeted to commence by the end of June 2026 at the latest. In the initial phase, the arrangement will focus on constructing basic infrastructure, securing the lake’s boundary, and providing facilities for visitors. ‘Now it is still under evaluation. Later we will create a security area for the lake, after that we will build a track for people to walk and enjoy the lake,’ said Arlan. Arlan added that this revitalisation will be carried out in stages, adjusting to the regional government’s financial capacity each year. He also assured that the development will not evict or take land belonging to local residents. ‘What we are building now is within the lake’s boundary, so it does not use the community’s land. Because we also do not want to take away the community’s rights,’ he stressed. His office is optimistic that all physical works can be completed by December 2026, despite challenges regarding material price adjustments. Meanwhile, the Vice Governor of Banten, Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah, explained that the revitalisation of Situ Cikedal is part of the local government’s effort to encourage new economic growth centres in Pandeglang. In addition to prioritising water conservation functions, this area is considered to have significant tourism potential to drive the surrounding community’s economy. ‘We want to tidy up Situ Cikedal to become a premier tourist spot. We will start with environmental arrangement, road access, and supporting facilities,’ said Dimyati. Dimyati also emphasised that this project prioritises the preservation of the environmental ecosystem and does not solely focus on physical development. ‘We protect its nature, we develop its function. Because Situ Cikedal is not only a place for water conservation, but more than that, it can be made into a prime tourist destination and for strengthening the local economy,’ concluded Dimyati.