Local against Cangkir tourism

Local against Cangkir tourism

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang

Residents of coastal villages in Kronjo district, Tangerang
regency, have joined the chorus urging the administration to
cancel management by state-run forestry company PT Perhutani of
the sacred Cangkir islet.

Head of Kronjo village, Sutrisno, said that residents were
making a petition against the presence of Perhutani on the
island.

"Before the regental administration handed over management (to
Perhutani) of the islet and the sacred tomb on it, there was no
problem," he told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

Management of the islet was handed to Perhutani last year by
local regent Ismet Iskandar.

Johan, a visitor to the grave of Pangeran Jagad Lautan (Prince
of the Oceans), said that currently Perhutani charges visitors Rp
2,000 to enter the grave compound, while ojek (motorcycle taxi)
drivers who take the visitors to the island have to pay Rp 1,000.

"Our objection against the presence of Perhutani is not
without reason. Cangkir islet is not a resort like Ancol in North
Jakarta. It is a sacred place where visitors only come for
devotional visits," Johan remarked.

Pangeran Jagad Lautan is remembered as one of the great ulemas
of the Banten region. Visitors from all parts of the country come
to his grave for devotional visits, often asking for blessings.

Kronjo district chief Kusnadi said on Monday that he had
recently held a meeting with Perhutani, the Tangerang office of
trade and industry, the Tangerang tourism agency and village
representative bodies to discuss the people's demands.

"We have made a joint agreement in which Perhutani has
promised to revise its management of the island ... the revision
would be disseminated to residents soon," he said.

The small islet is located 25 kilometers northwest of
Tangerang municipality. Visitors reach it via the Balaraja toll
road.

In 1995, the local administration reclaimed part of the sea
and built a bridge to enable land transport to the islet.

Besides the grave, the natural beauty of the islet also
attracts tourists.

Many hectares of fish ponds, water embankments and villages
line the road. Visitors often walk around the islet or rent
boats.

Deniwati, who heads the Tangerang tourism division, told the
Post that the number of visitors to the islet on working days
could reach 200.

"On holidays, the number is usually more than 1,000," she
said.