Ujung Pandaran Beach Remains Crowded With Tourists Despite The Threat Of Rob Flood

The atmosphere of Ujung Pandaran Beach during the 2025 New Year holiday momentum, Wednesday, January 1, 2025. (ANTARA/HO)

JAKARTA - Ujung Pandaran Beach, located in Teluk Sampit District, East Kotawaringin Regency (Kotim), Central Kalimantan, remains a magnet for tourists during the New Year holidays, despite the threat of tidal flooding and high waves.

"The number of visitors at Ujung Pandaran Beach is quite large, with the peak of the visit yesterday and today, it is estimated to reach around 5,000 people," said Head of the East Kotim Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar), Bima Eka Wardhana, as quoted by ANTARA.

He explained that the number of tourists visiting Ujung Pandaran Beach had increased by about 10 percent compared to the same period the previous year. The surge in the number of visitors began to be seen on December 31, 2024, the day before the turn of the year.

"It is estimated that this spike will only last until January 2, 2025, because most people have returned to work afterward," he added.

In response to the increase in visits, Disbudpar Kotim strengthened cooperation with the sub-district and local security forces to ensure security and order in the tourist area.

This is becoming increasingly important considering the forecast for high waves in coastal areas, with heights reaching 1.5 to 2.5 meters, as stated by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

In addition, the East Kotim BPBD has also issued an early warning regarding the potential for coastal flooding or tidal flooding which is expected to take place from December 29, 2024 to January 8, 2025. People, especially those who are active on the beach, are asked to be more alert to this potential risk.

"We have increased supervision and security with related parties. We also urge the public to be careful, especially for parents who bring their children to always supervise them when playing on the beach," said Bima.

Obet, the manager of the Jodoh Beach Tourism, which is still in the Ujung Pandaran Beach area, said that the number of visitors began to increase a few days before the new year. In fact, tourists from outside the area had started booking places a week earlier.

"Visitors have started to get busy since the last few days, the average reaches 1,000 people per day, and on peak day it can reach 5,000 people. Tourists who come are not only from Kotim, but also from outside the region, such as Banjarmasin and Pontianak," he explained.

He added that Ujung Pandaran Beach is increasingly in demand every year because tourism managers are competing to provide the best facilities and services.

Jodoh Beach is one of the favorite tourist destinations because of its complete facilities, such as lodging, restaurants, prayer rooms, and public toilets and bathrooms.

"All the rooms we provide, a total of 150 units, are full. In addition, all 60 gazebos available have also been completely booked," he concluded.