The Thousand Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jakarta. In addition to their proximity to Jakarta, these thousand islands offer stunning natural beauty. We must take great care to preserve this beautiful natural environment. It is therefore not surprising that the government has implemented strict regulations to protect the Thousand Islands. One of these islands is Tidung Kecil, which boasts beautiful natural charm.
Through DKI Jakarta Regional Regulation No. 7 of 2024, the Jakarta City Government has designated Tidung Kecil Island as part of a marine conservation area or provincial strategic area. This means that the flora and fauna there must be strictly preserved and protected. It is therefore not surprising that the tourist attractions on Tidung Kecil Island have become educational attractions that are highly suitable for protection.
Educational tourism on Tidung Kecil Island
Due to its status as a conservation area, tourism management on this island is designed to preserve the ecosystem, not for mass commercialization, so activities are carried out solely to protect the environment. It is perfect for those who want to bring their children to learn about the environment. Some of the educational tourism activities that I tried yesterday on this uninhabited island were:
1. Turtle Conservation Center
One of the main attractions of Tidung Kecil Island is the turtle conservation center. It is located right next to the Whale Museum. Visitors can learn about the process of saving turtle eggs, hatching, caring for hatchlings, and releasing them into the sea. Conservation guides will provide detailed explanations of the threats turtles face, including hunting, marine debris, and habitat destruction.
The hatchling release activity is also a delightful and educational moment. Unfortunately, when I visited yesterday, there was no hatchling release on the beach, as these releases follow a set schedule.
2. Marine Ornamental Fish Farming
The next educational tour in the conservation area of Tidung Kecil Island is a visit to a marine ornamental fish farm. On this island, there are facilities for cultivating various types of ornamental fish, such as clownfish or nemo and seahorses. We can see how the hatchery is run, how water quality is maintained, and how sustainable cultivation techniques are applied to avoid damaging the coral reef ecosystem. This activity is suitable for students, aquarium enthusiasts, and fisheries researchers.
3. Visiting the Whale Skeleton Museum
I also visited the Whale Skeleton Museum on Tidung Kecil Island. This museum is one of the most interesting educational tourist attractions in the Thousand Islands conservation area. This small museum houses a several-meter-long whale skeleton that was found stranded in the waters around the island.
The skeleton was cleaned, assembled, and displayed as a learning medium for visitors. Our guide explained that some parts were missing and had been replaced with similar materials.
At this museum, we can learn about whale anatomy, the causes of marine mammal strandings, and the critical role of this species in maintaining the balance of the aquatic ecosystem. There are many written explanations in this not-so-spacious room.
4. Visit the Mangrove Tree Nursery
The next educational tour is a visit to the mangrove tree nursery. As we know, the mangroves around the island help resist abrasion, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for various marine organisms. Tourists can learn to identify the types of mangroves in this nursery, how to plant seedlings, and their ecological role in protecting the coast.
5. Planting Mangrove Trees
What's more exciting is that I had the opportunity to participate in planting mangrove trees on the coast of Tidung Kecil Island. It's a small contribution, but the benefits will be seen after many years. My friends and I were instructed to choose the tree seedlings to be planted. Some of the mangrove seedlings were still short, while others were already quite tall.
The conservation manager explained that the seedlings planted in the water are usually 3-4 months old, with 3-5 leaves. The mangrove we planted was Rhizophora, a species commonly grown in muddy areas. Planting mangroves was a small but tangible way for me to contribute to protecting and preserving the environment.
6. Coral Reef Conservation
Small Tidung Island is surrounded by coral reefs that host a variety of marine life. This coral reef conservation program involves coral transplantation and education on the importance of protecting coral reefs from damage caused by human activities.
As tourists, we can join educational snorkeling tours to see the rehabilitated coral reefs firsthand. And yesterday, I was fortunate enough to participate in coral reef planting on Tidung Kecil Island.
7. Marine Debris Education and Recycling
As a conservation area, Tidung Kecil Island is a place to learn about the impact of marine debris and the importance of sustainable waste management. Visitors are invited to identify the types of marine debris commonly found in the sea, the beach-cleaning process, and how to recycle plastic waste so it does not pollute the ecosystem again. This debris is carried to Tidung Kecil Island from various sources by ocean currents and wind.
8. Seagrass Ecosystem Exploration
Seagrass is an essential habitat for dugongs, reef fish, and various small creatures that live on the seabed. On a seagrass ecosystem tour, tourists learn why seagrass is different from seaweed, how seagrass improves water quality, and how damage to seagrass can affect the marine food chain.
9. Scientific Tourism and Marine Life Observation
Small Tidung Island is suitable for scientific research. Visitors, especially students, can observe marine life such as starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and mollusks. With the guidance of a tour guide, this activity teaches how to collect field data, identify species, and understand the structure of coastal ecosystems.
My thoughts
That was my exciting experience visiting an educational tourist attraction in the conservation area of Tidung Kecil Island. Tidung Kecil Island proves that tourism does not have to destroy nature; rather, it can be a means of education and conservation. This educational tourist attraction is perfect for families, students, children, and other tourists.
The educational tourism in the conservation area of Tidung Kecil Island combines environmental preservation and education. This island serves as an example of sustainable and responsible tourism. Visiting Tidung Kecil Island means not only enjoying nature's beauty but also learning to preserve Indonesia's marine ecosystems for the future.
Has anyone ever participated in educational tourism activities in the conservation area of Tidung Kecil Island? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.
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