Islands for rent north off Semarang

Islands for rent north off Semarang

Tanjung Gelam Island (photo above) is a pristine island full of
beauty, which is a draw for investors in the tourist sector. The
island is one of 27 islands in the Karimunjawa island chain off
Central Java, which have been declared a national park.

News recently broke that at least seven islands in the chain
have been offered for lease to British property firm VA Real
Estate in London after a lecturer at Semarang's Soegijapranata
University, Tjahjono Rahardjo, read it on the firm's website.

The islands on offer are Bengkoang (79 hectares), Geleang (24
ha), Kembar (11,2 ha), Kumbang (8,8 ha), Katang (2,8 ha), Krakal
Kecil (2,8 ha) and Krakal Besar (2,8 ha).

Some facilities are available to reach the chain of islands,
including an international airport that serves flights from
Semarang to Karimunjawa, of which only five islands are
inhabited.

The London firm's website does not mention the prices of the
islands, but sources say the rent varies from Rp 1,500 (15 U.S.
cents) to Rp 4,000 per square meter, depending on how fertile the
land is and the category.

Karimunjawa National Park Center head Harianto said the
islands were offered for lease by indigenous people who claim to
own the islands. The center only manages Karimunjawa island and
its waters.

Offering the islands for lease has met with opposition given
the status of the chain. Tjahjono explained that the islands were
divided into four zones -- core zone, wilderness zone,
utilization zone and buffer zone.

Only islands in the utilization and buffer zones are available
for investment and public use. The core zone is only for research
and educational use, while the wilderness zone requires permits
for entry. -- JP/Suherdjoko

The seven islands are located in the core or wilderness zones.