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.