Wardang Island

Wardang Island is located in the middle of the Java Sea and is an important bird sanctuary. It is also popular for diving and snorkeling. The island has a population of about 2,000 people who live in about fifty wooden houses. The local economy is based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The island’s climate is tropical with a hot and humid season. The main crops are coffee, cacao, rubber, and coconut.

History

Wardang Island was originally settled by the Batak people. The island later became part of the Dutch East Indies and was governed by a lieutenant-governor. In 1949, Wardang became an autonomous district of West Java Province. In 1950, Wardang Island separated from West Java Province and became an administrative province called Indonesia’s Wardan Regency with identical status to that of other regencies in Indonesia.

The regency had its own governor and legislative. Wardang was the homeland of several revolutionary groups, including Aberdjanebara (The British Dispute) in 1852 and Persada Gemilangsari Regentan Indonesia or PGI RI (“United Movement for Indonesian Independence”) which functioned as a resistance group against Dutch colonial rule during World War II.

Climate

The type of climate on Wardang Island is tropical with a hot and humid season. The average temperature range is 23-31 degrees Celsius. The hottest month is March with the average temperature of 28.6 degrees Celsius and coldest month is October with an average temperature of 21.7 degree Celsius

Administrative divisions Wardang island is divided into three districts: Wardu Selatan (western ward), Wardu Utara (northern ward) and Bongawan.

The regency’s capital city, Lhoksukon, is located in the northern part of Sandanen district.

Culture

The cultural diversity on Wardang island is based on agriculture, fishing and tourism. The main crops are coffee, cacao, rubber and coconut. There are also many traditional handicrafts (such as batik) produced in the region . The main traditional religious deities are Deiyat and Dewi Sindih. Local dances (sobak) include: Sandanen, Haji Babitera , Ngapo Kayu Hera Samaian, Kajong Birentallang Ngeripuh .

Politics

The politics on Wardang island is based on the three district system where each district has a representative in the regency’s legislative. The current governor of Wardan Regency is Sutopo Purwo Nugroho who was appointed by President Joko Widodo in August 2014. Tax-Office (BATK) operates on Wardang Island. This is a state enterprise that manage income tax collection, adjustment and loans for tax payers in the regency.

The Tax office also conducts business operations such as bank deposit, petty trading and labor exchange . Businesses are required to apply at least two months before the start of their operation so that staff can be trained during this process.

Economy

The economy of Wardang island is based mainly on agriculture, fishing and tourism. Coffee, cacao and rubber are main crops while handicrafts ( especially batik) is a significant community. Other industries include wood and rattan products, food processing plant-based industry (almond oil for shampoo production), rubber plantation and animal husbandry in the island’s mountain areas.

Government services

Wardang island is served by the Pemalang Port, which provides access to boats that travel between Java and Sumatra. There are also several airstrips serving the island: Mbayasa Airport (IATA code PJM) in Jayapura on Java, Tokuno Airbase (IATA code TKN) in Tokunoradja Regency, Sulawesi Utara Province and Ketapang Airfield (IATA code PKT) in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan Province. In February 2018, the Indonesian Navy opened purchase of a national amphibious cargo ship with capacity to carry 1.800 tons on waters around Indonesia in order for local islands such as Wardang Island can be connected by sea transportation and benefit from economic activities within Java region.

Tourism

The most popular tourist destination on Wardang Island is mount Gunung Kawah Ijen, which has an elevation of 2,542 meters. Other attractions include the islands of Pemalang and Ketapang and the village of Lelaki near Jayapura. The Gunung Kawah Ijen Geothermal Park serves as a beautiful landscape for visitors and features interesting geological formations.

Transport

There is a air-conditioned bus that travels between Pemalang and Jayapura once every two hours. There are also boats that regularly sail to Ketapang, Lelaki, Toli-Toli and other destinations on Wardang Island. There are taxi boats that sail between Pemalang and Jayapura once a day. There is also an island bus (Wardang Kuda A/R) that travels from the airport to shore at Kunungu, Mbayasa and Tokuno areas, with ferry services departing each hour during weekdays while weekends there is no public transport travelling around Wardan Island.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Wardang Island is similar to that of other regions in Indonesia. Local specialties include gudeg (a dumpling made from cassava flour and spices), temur-temur (beef skewers cooked over an open fire), nasi goreng (fried rice) and fried tofu. Dasar Ekiden (Wardang Children’s Festival)

The Wardung Birdwing Theatre, a local arts center, hosts an annual clan from Wardan Island and surrounding areas to compete in the annual Dasar eKiden. Normally held on July 16 at Badon Bunginwon Stadium in Kunungu Community Center which was rebuilt as part of environmental program carried out by Green Krui Foundation, Tsunami Ground Zero Pattimura Den pasar (TGDP) and others.

Wildlife

Wildlife found on Wardan Island includes the endangered Bali starling and rusa deer. In Kunungu Fresh Water Reserve in Wardan Island, one can also find monkeys and wild animals. Wardan Island also has a fish that can grow to around five meters in length and normally weigh 60 kilograms. It is possible to catch these very occasionally on the coast of Warding with nets, harpoons or even makeshift hooks specially built for catching this species.

Conclusion

Wardang Island is a beautiful place and it’s located in the middle of the Arafura Sea. It’s a great place for surfing and windsurfing. Wardang Island is also the home of the Wardang Aboriginal Corporation which is committed to preserving Aboriginal culture and heritage. The Corporation operates a visitors centre which offers programs and activities for visitors to enjoy. The centre also has a shop where you can find Aboriginal arts and crafts as well as items related to Aboriginal history and culture.

FAQ

Can I Stay On Wardang Island For More Than One Day?

Yes, you can stay on Wardang Island for up to five days. However, it’s advised that you book your accommodation in advance as the island is very popular with tourists and there are limited rooms available.

Can I Rent A Private Dolmen (Burial Mound) To Sleep In?

Yes, you can rent a private dolmen at the visitors centre for about Rp. 50,000 per day as long as it is booked in advance.

Whose Grave Site Am I Sleeping On?

Yes that’s just fine and there are many Aboriginal gravesites along the coast which have been used by generations of Aboriginals including those whose relatives have passed away. They use this method to keep the relative’s spirit beside them so that they always walk with the family in a certain area (dolmen site).

Where Is It Safer For Me To Stay Overnight, On Wardang Island Or Up North?

It depends if you are more concerned about mosquitoes and other insects like sandflies which bite at any time of day, during daylight hours but not too strong as these could cause a nasty infection causing pain and itchiness.

How Much Does A Private Dolmen Cost?

It depends on how many people you want to sleep in the same location which is expressed as two or one beds. Price of the single bed are Rp. 50,000 and double length costs 500,000 per night. If you book it for more than four persons there will be an increase by 20%.