Seribu Islands Promoted as Jakarta’s Flagship Tourism Destination

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Seribu Islands are being further promoted as one of Jakarta’s flagship tourism destinations, offering a range of marine, historical, cultural, and creative-economy experiences. The archipelago is considered to have a distinct advantage in providing a natural atmosphere that contrasts with Jakarta’s identity as a metropolitan city.

Head of the Attractions, Marketing and Creative Economy Section at the Seribu Islands Administrative Regency Tourism and Creative Economy Sub-agency, Mohammad Chairul Anwar, said the area holds a special position. According to him, the Seribu Islands are Jakarta’s only flagship marine tourism area.

“Amid Jakarta’s aspiration to become a metropolitan city, the Thousand Islands offer another face of Jakarta—green, natural, and marine-based,” said Chairul in Jakarta on Monday, September 7, 2026.

He said the Seribu Islands’ appeal extends beyond its beaches and seas. Tourists can enjoy snorkeling, diving, island-hopping, historical tours, conservation education, culinary tourism, and direct interaction with local communities.

Easy access from Jakarta is also one of the area’s strengths as a tourism destination. The Thousand Islands offer a different holiday experience without requiring visitors to leave Jakarta.

According to Chairul, tourism promotion should showcase the full range of experiences available to visitors, rather than merely highlighting the beauty of the destinations. Each island has its own character, from local life and maritime culture to history, environmental conservation, and creative-economy products.

“Modern tourists are not only looking for beautiful places, but also for activities, stories, and memorable experiences,” he said.

Therefore, promotion needs to shift public perceptions so that the Seribu Islands are not associated solely with beaches and snorkeling. Historical tourism is among the experiences that can be developed through the presence of several historic islands. Onrust, Kahyangan, and Kelor Islands could be options for visitors seeking to learn about Jakarta’s historical journey.

The Seribu Islands also offer conservation, photography, cultural, educational, and family tourism. This diversity is considered a key strength, allowing visitors to choose experiences based on their respective interests and needs.

Onrust, Cipir, Kelor, and Bidadari are officially designated as cultural heritage areas, while Onrust features archaeological remains linked to Jakarta’s maritime and colonial history.

Chairul said clear and well-structured tour packages are important in promoting the Thousand Islands. Such packages not only make it easier for tourists to plan their trips, but also create opportunities for collaboration among transportation providers, homestays, tour guides, and creative-economy businesses.

Promotion is also being directed toward younger generations through social media and the involvement of content creators. Chairul said local communities need to be involved as storytellers for their destinations, as this could make promotional content feel more natural, credible, and relatable to audiences.

“When local communities become the storytellers of their own destinations, promotion becomes more natural, more trusted, and closer to audiences,” he said.

He added that increased tourist visits are expected to broaden economic benefits through homestays, culinary businesses, local transportation, handicrafts, and various community-based enterprises. For long-term development, Chairul emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism that protects nature, culture, and the livelihoods of island communities.

He said the Seribu Islands are not merely a recreational destination, but a strategic asset that can contribute to Jakarta’s future. “The key message is that young people are not merely visitors, but part of the driving force behind the future of the Seribu Islands,” said Chairul.

He encouraged young people to take roles as content creators, creative-economy players, tourism innovators, young entrepreneurs, and contributors to environmental protection efforts. Chairul invited Jakarta residents to visit and experience firsthand the various attractions offered by the Seribu Islands.

“The Seribu Islands belong to Jakarta, are Jakarta’s joy, and are Jakarta’s future,” he said.

He expressed hope that more people would come to know, visit, and protect the Seribu Islands, allowing the area to develop as a sustainable flagship marine tourism destination. Information on Seribu Islands tourism destinations is also available through @pulauseribu.tourism on Instagram and TikTok. (Annaila Azzahra-EN)