Tourism Driven by Local Potential: Appalarang Tinadung and Tanjung Datuk
- 07 Sep 2026 11:00 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Indonesia possesses premier tourism destinations that have developed from local potential, each offering the unique appeal of its respective region.
- Appalarang Tinadung in Ara Village, Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, is known for its limestone cliffs, clear seawater, and lush greenery.
- Tanjung Datuk in Pekanbaru, Riau, focuses on historical tourism connected to World War II and the Japanese occupation.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia boasts a diverse array of tourism destinations that have grown from local potential, each with its own distinctive appeal. Two such places are Appalarang Tinadung in South Sulawesi and Tanjung Datuk in Riau.
Appalarang Tinadung is located in Ara Village, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi. The area is known for its limestone cliffs, crystal-clear sea, and lush greenery.
Its pioneer and manager, Amiruddin Rasyid, began developing the site in 2011. He was inspired after a comparative study visit to Hong Kong, where he noticed similarities between the territory and his hometown.
“After returning from Hong Kong, I conducted surveys and gathered data. In December 2011, we started developing it,” said Amiruddin on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Previously, the Appalarang Tinadung area had been largely abandoned by residents due to limited access. The main constraints were poor road conditions, lack of clean water, and inadequate lighting.
A few years after its inception, Appalarang Tinadung began attracting both domestic and international tourists. Its main attraction is the dramatic limestone cliffs rising approximately 10 to 17 meters above the shoreline.
“Appalarang Tinadung’s beauty is extraordinary because the seawater is very clear, and there are towering limestone cliffs along the coast. We also preserve the trees there,” said Amiruddin.
Management has also provided supporting facilities to enhance visitor comfort and safety. Road access to the area has since been improved, partly with support from tourist contributions.
In contrast to Appalarang, Tanjung Datuk, located on the banks of the Siak River in Pekanbaru, leans more heavily on historical tourism.
Tourism Master Assessor, Osvian Putra, says the area is closely tied to World War II history. He notes that Tanjung Datuk is linked to the construction of a railway line during the Japanese occupation.
That railway was built to connect Sawahlunto with the Siak River, ultimately leading toward Singapore. Its construction involved romusha, or forced laborers, and thousands of Allied prisoners of war.
“The construction of that railway line was about 220 km long, and it was actually a twin project. The same project was also built by the Japanese in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, connecting Thailand with Burma, at the town of Tamu Zayed,” said Osvian.
Tourists can now trace former prisoner-of-war camps along the route. Several relics, including a locomotive at Tanjung Ru, can still be found.
Osvian has developed the area as a special-interest tourism destination. Since 2013, European tourists, especially from the Netherlands, have been introduced to its history through guided visits.
Appalarang and Tanjung Datuk show that Indonesian tourism is not limited to well-known destinations. Together, they offer nature, history, and distinct experiences rooted in local potential. (Annaila Azzahra-EN)
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