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.