East Aceh to Transform Idaman Island into Flagship Eco-Destination
- 25 Jul 2026 16:48 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- The East Aceh Administration is developing Idaman Island into a flagship eco-tourism destination, highlighting its pristine natural environment and conservation value.
- The 18-hectare island features unspoiled beaches and serves as a seasonal nesting habitat for sea turtles, making it suitable for nature tourism, environmental education, and conservation activities.
RRI.CO.ID, Banda Aceh - The East Aceh Regency Administration is developing Idaman Island on the coast of Gampong Kuala Simpang Ulim, Simpang Ulim Subdistrict, into a flagship regional tourism destination. Head of the East Aceh Tourism, Youth, and Sports Agency, Syahril, said Idaman Island has strong tourism potential because its natural beauty remains pristine and its environment is relatively well preserved.
“Idaman Island has great tourism potential. Its natural beauty is still untouched, its environment is still preserved, and it has conservation value that must be maintained,” said Syahril in East Aceh on Friday, July 24, 2026.
He said the island, which covers around 18 hectares, has attractions not found in many other tourist areas. In addition to offering scenic natural views, Idaman Island is also a habitat for turtles that come ashore to lay eggs during certain seasons.
The island, located not far from the Kuala Simpang Ulim coastline, offers stretches of sand, shady trees, a peaceful atmosphere, and fresh sea air. “These conditions make it suitable for family tourism, recreation, and environmental education or nature conservation activities,” he said.
Beyond nature tourism, Idaman Island is also a favorite spot for anglers. This activity also provides additional income for local residents through boat rentals, sea transport services, and the provision of various tourist needs.
Syahril acknowledged that the development of the tourism area had faced setbacks after several facilities were damaged by flooding that hit the coastal area. However, community enthusiasm to revive tourism on Idaman Island has never faded.
For that reason, he said community-based tourism is the right model to apply on Idaman Island. Under this concept, residents are not merely spectators but also the main actors in managing and developing the tourist destination.
“Our hope is that the community becomes the main part of tourism management. When tourism grows, the community also benefits economically through transportation services, culinary businesses, homestays, and other micro-enterprises,” he said.
Syahril expressed confidence that Idaman Island could become an icon of coastal tourism in East Aceh if all parties work together, including the administration, village officials, Panglima Laot, and the community.
He said the relatively easy access to the site, the preserved natural scenery, and the community’s commitment to protecting the environment are important assets for developing Idaman Island as one of East Aceh’s leading tourism destinations.
“Idaman Island has considerable potential. The key is how we manage it together while still protecting the natural environment. We hope this area will eventually become a safe and comfortable tourist destination and help improve the welfare of coastal communities,” said Syahril. (Annaila Azzahra-EN)
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