Lestari Moerdijat: Karimunjawa Beach Cleanliness Must Be Consistently Maintained

As tourist interest in visiting Karimunjawa increases, beach cleanliness has become a challenge that must be consistently addressed. This was emphasised by Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Lestari Moerdijat during a public aspiration event themed ‘Environmentally Sound National Development’, which was combined with a community beach clean-up in Karimunjawa Village, Karimunjawa District, Jepara Regency, Central Java, on Sunday (21/6). “The arrival of tourists in Karimunjawa does not only bring income for residents, but also demands the responsibility of all parties to maintain the cleanliness of the environment,” said Lestari. In addition to the beach clean-up, Rerie, as Lestari is affectionately known, together with Jepara Regency DPRD Deputy Speaker H. Pratikno and environmental activists, released turtle hatchlings on the beach, which was named Pantai Lestari Ceria. At the inauguration of the beach’s name, Rerie expressed her hope that Pantai Lestari Ceria would not only serve as a tourist destination but also as an educational site to ensure the environment in Karimunjawa remains sustainable. Karimunjawa Village Head Arif Setiawan, who is also a tourism operator, in his remarks supported the role of Pantai Lestari Ceria as an environmental education centre. He noted that besides generating income for the community, the beach’s beauty could also provide villagers with an understanding of the importance of preserving the beauty and environment of Pantai Lestari Ceria in Karimunjawa Village. Arif also advised tourism operators in Karimunjawa not to solely pursue profit in running their businesses, but to actively participate in maintaining environmental sustainability.