DKI Temporarily Closes Kelor Island

Illustration - Martello Fort on Kelor Island, Thousand Islands, DKI Jakarta Province. BETWEEN/HO-Kominfotik Thousand Islands

JAKARTA - Kelor Island in the Thousand South Islands Regency was temporarily closed due to the construction of a wave-breaking embankment in the coastal area of the island by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Water Resources Service (SDA).

The Head of the Management Unit (UP) of the Jakarta Maritime Museum, Mis Ari, confirmed the temporary closure of the island, which is the historical location of Fort Martello, which is the background for the film "Petualan Sherina 2".

"As a preventive measure to address the serious impact of abrasion. Kelor Island is temporarily closed to protect it from the threat of rob and maintain the historic existence of Martello Fort," said Mis Ari as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, November 1.

The DKI Jakarta SDA Office has built a 350-meter-long wave break embankment in July 2023 to protect the island which is part of Onrust Archaeological Park.

The construction of the wave break embankment is expected to be completed on December 11, 2023. The relevant parties have not provided information regarding the budget value to build the breakwater embankment.

Kelor Island is decorated by Fort Martello, a legacy of the Dutch colonial era, which has long been a tourist destination. However, prolonged coastal abrasion has threatened the existence of the island and the historic structure that stands on it.

Understanding the importance of protecting Kelor Island and Martello Fort as a historic legacy and valuable tourist destinations, the island's temporary closure is carried out to protect and restore the beauty of the island.

"And we hope to continue its important role in the history and tourism of the Thousand Islands," said Mis Ari.

By building the wave break embankment, Kelor Island is expected to be more resistant to abrasion, avoid the threat of rob and continue to be an attractive tourist destination for visitors.

Onrust Archaeological Park in Untung Jawa Island Village, Seribu Selatan Islands, received 28,691 tourist visits throughout 2022.

Based on data from the Jakarta Maritime Museum Management Unit, the five most visits occurred in July as many as 3,737 people, June (3,699 people), August (3,512 people), May (3,105 people) and March (2,646 people).

The historical tourist destinations of Onrust Archaeological Park include Onrust Island, Cipir Island and Kelor Island. The three islands have historical buildings from the Dutch colonial era.