Former prison island takes on tourist identity

Former prison island takes on tourist identity

By Wahyu Mandoko

NUSAKAMBANGAN, Central Java (JP): The gloomy pall has lifted
from Nusakambangan, an island south of the Cilacap coast in
Central Java.

Mention of its name once drew shudders, as it was notorious as
a penal island for hardened criminals serving long sentences.
Nusakambangan has taken on a new, friendlier identity since its
opening for tourism at the beginning of last year. Tourists from
many regions and foreign nations visit Nusakambangan nearly every
day.

The Dutch colonial government first designated Nusakambangan
as a closed penal area in 1932, and this contributed to the
preservation of many of its natural attractions. The 270 square-
kilometer island has breathtakingly beautiful scenery -- the
rocky Permisan coast, white sandy beaches, caves called Masigit
Sela, Putri and Lawa, and stunning natural panoramas.

The business community is taking a long, hard look at
Nusakambangan in the wake of increasing numbers of tourists visit
the island. Projects under consideration include a floating
restaurant, a hotel on the coast, setting up regular
transportation services between Cilacap and Nusakambangan and a
cruise ship for tours around the island. Currently, only day
trips are available and advance registration is required. The
development plans have been warmly welcomed by the regional
government and the justice ministry, which own and manage the
island.

The Dutch built nine prisons on the island. The Limusbuntu,
Gliger, Karanganyar, Kalibanjar and Karangtengah prisons are now
dilapidated and disused.

The Besi, Batu, Kembangkuning and Permisan prisons continue to
operate, although they are running at around a third of their
occupational capacity of 500 prisoners. Those nearing the end of
their sentences and who have displayed good conduct usually
receive reductions in their prison terms on Independence Day on
Aug. 17 each year. They are also permitted to leave the prison
grounds unescorted.

They learn how to grind agate stones, and to make handicrafts
from natural and synthetic materials available at Nusakambangan.
These handicrafts are sold to tourists, with the proceeds
deposited in a cooperative. The prisoners receive the money for
travel expenses and work capital when they are freed. Their
skills acquired at Nusakambangan will be useful for finding work
on the outside.

Conservation area

Nusakambangan is divided into four nature preservation areas:
West Nusakambangan covering 928 hectares, East Nusakambangan with
277 hectares, Wijayakusuma with 1 hectare and Karangbolong at a
half hectare. The Dutch colonists first designated them as
conservation sites.

Nusakambangan is home to species of rare plants like the
Rafflesia flower (Rafflesia padma), the Wijayakusuma flower
(Pisonia sylvestris) and the Java platar plant (Dipterocarpus
litoralis). Endangered animals such as the black panther
(Panthera pardus), porcupine (hystrix brachyura), scaly anteater
(Manis javanica) and python still roam the island.

Sightings of these plants and animals, now extinct in many of
their former habitats, are one of the main draws for tourists,
scientists, researchers and students.

Segara Anakan, the sea separating Nusakambangan from the Java
coast, is also home to the threatened dolphin known locally as
wersut (Orcaela Sp.).

Registration for a day trip to Nusakambangan must be made at
least one week in advance, with a minimum party of 30. The trip
costs Rp 15,000 per person. More information is available from
the Cilacap tourism office at Jl. Jend. A. Yani 8, telephone
(0282) 34481.