Jakarta – The impact of climate change on the Pulau Seribu, a marine reserve just offshore of the nation’s capital, is becoming more apparent, analysts say. The existence of islands such as Onrust, Cipir, Kelor, and Bidadari is threatened by sea level rise.
Urban archaeologist Ary Sulistyo says that abrasion is also an additional problem. Some of the islands in this area are no longer visible due to rising sea levels. “One of the most obvious is Pulau Ubi, which was still visible in the early 1960s, but not anymore,” he said.
In addition, disasters also occur due to humans looting and taking materials, such as sand mining, on the islands. Reflecting on this, the idea of environmental sustainability needs to be included in the development of the Thousand Islands area. Sulistyo said that something that can be done is to minimize community visits to reduce the carbon footprint. Another thing that can be done is to build a barrier by stockpiling sand, so that the surface of the island becomes higher.
Sulistyo said a total ban on visits has been suggested but it is difficult. People argued that they wanted to experience historical tourism. “Now it has been filled with sand. The environmental impact is certainly difficult to avoid, but at least the impact can be delayed. Through history we reflect, there needs to be environmentally sound regulations,” he said.
Educator at the Jakarta Maritime Museum, Firman Fatturohman, explained that the development of the Onrust, Cipir, Kelor and Bidadari areas involved many parties, such as the historical community and local residents.
The museum under the management of the Jakarta Provincial Government also built a wave breaker, especially on Onrust Island, to protect the shoreline from abrasion. Moreover, in this place is located the Martello Tower, one of the monitoring posts of the colonial era. In addition, the museum also routinely conducts research and studies on the islands.
“Some islands in Pulau Seribu islands have sunk, now there are Onrust, Kelor, Cipir, and Bidadari that we need to protect. Development must be adaptive,” Fatturohman said. (Hartatik)
