Development of Tanjung Lesung to be accelerated

The development of the Tanjung Lesung Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for tourism will be accelerated as a government program to support the transformation process.

Situated on the western coast of Java island in the district of Pandeglang, Banten province, the Tanjung Lesung resort will soon become Indonesias new hub for business activities and a novel gateway for tourists.

Budiharto Setiawan, the chief representative of Bank Indonesia Banten, remarked that the accelerated development of the Tanjung Lesung SEZ is also part of the local governments program to expedite the transformation process.

"Besides accelerating the development of the Tanjung Lesung SEZ, the government of Banten province is also increasingly building connectivity infrastructure," Setiawan remarked during the annual meeting of Bank Indonesia in Serang on Tuesday night.

He stated that in view of the future economic challenges, Bank Indonesia believes that transformation is required to make Indonesias economy better.

Setiawan highlighted the need to transform Indonesia from a consumer-oriented country to a nation supporting production, from an importer to an exporter, and from a producer of raw natural resources to a nation that produces products of higher added value.

To this end, Setiawan emphasized that transformation must be supported by an increase in the industrialization process in the creative industry sector, tourism industry, and the maritime industry being adopted by Banten to develop the Tanjung Lesung SEZ for tourism.

Inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in February 2015, the Tanjung Lesung Special Economic Zone will be developed into a maritime-based, world-class integrated tourism area in Indonesia.

President Jokowi at the time expressed hope that the development of the Serang-Panimbang toll road, which has been set for completion in three years, can be carried out in tandem with the construction of the Tanjung Lesung SEZ.

He noted that the development of the toll road will be carried out by the government, which will then be followed up by the development of the Tanjung Lesung SEZ for tourism.

President Jokowi remarked that the SEZ for tourism in Tanjung Lesung was declared 24 years ago, and a presidential decree on the development was issued three years ago, but the central and regional governments were too slow to follow it up.

"Therefore, I have set a target to complete it in three years," Jokowi affirmed.

The Tanjung Lesung tourism region, which is built in the coastal tourism area, is based on the Water City tourism master design in 2020, similar to the one in Venice, Italy.

Tanjung Lesung is one of the popular tourism areas in Banten, besides the Carita Beach and other coastal tourism locations.

Tanjung Lesung also has the Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) located on the westernmost tip of Java, where Mount Krakatoa is also located.

The SEZ for tourism covers an area of 1.3 thousand hectares, which will have various tourism infrastructure and facilities, including hotels, tourism vocational schools, and other supporting facilities.

The beaches along Tanjung Lesungs coastline are known to be some of the best as they offer good surf, calm swimming spots, considerably healthy reefs, and white inviting sands.

Only a three-hour car ride away from bustling Jakarta and just 30 minutes from Carita beach, Tanjung Lesung is a pleasant choice for a weekend getaway.

Although Jakartans and beachgoers from other cities in the country continue to flock to this area on the western coast of Java, but Tanjung Lesung will remain serene and private, as there are limited accommodations here.

The beauty and serenity of Tanjung Lesungs surrounding area is also due to the legendary peak of Krakatau, the sight that makes Sunda Strait famous around the world.

Krakatoa, or Krakatau in Indonesian, is undeniably famous for its volcanoes in the archipelago due to the worlds loudest recorded bang that it created in 1883.

Scientists from across the world still come to conduct research on the volcanic richness of West Java coast and its natural surroundings.

Today, Tanjung Lesung offers an ideal location to unwind and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature found along the vast stretches of soft white sandy beaches, clear and calm blue waters, and fresh tropical breeze.

The 15-kilometer-long shoreline offers an array of beach activities such as beach volley, beach football, or one can simply soak in the indulging sunshine.

Tanjung Lesung can also act as a staging point for those keen on venturing to the Krakatau volcanic island or planning to visit the TNUK.

No wonder, Banten Governor Rano Karno expressed belief that the Tanjung Lesung SEZ will serve as an important driver for achieving sustainable economic growth and creating jobs for the public of Pandeglang district.

"The development of Tanjung Lesung SEZ will definitely improve the economic conditions of the local community and create around 200 thousand jobs," Rano stated after President Jokowi inaugurated the SEZ for tourism.

Rano expressed hope that during the development of the Tanjung Lesung SEZ, 70 percent of jobs could be given to the local community of Pandeglang district.

The Banten governor noted that the Tanjung Lesung SEZ, with a 13-kilometer coastline, will become an integrated tourist destination among the 536 tourism attractions in Banten province.

He noted that the SEZ was expected to boost economic development of the local community.

"The development of Tanjung Lesung SEZ for tourism is in keeping with the nations interest to address the regional development imbalance in Pandeglang district, in particular, and in Banten province, in general," Rano added.

Tajung Lesung resort is envisaged to feature top-range hotels and restaurants, a convention hall, several golf courses, marina and theme park, education, and health facilities. (Antara)