A Japanese-Inspired Village, Sakura Beach Set to Launch in North of Jakarta's Coast

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Construction projects featuring a Japanese-inspired village and Sakura Beach on Untung Jawa Island, part of the Thousand Islands chain just north of Jakarta, have reached 97 percent completion. 

Thousand Islands regent Junaedi said the village decorated with Japanese-style hanging lantern lamps and the beach surrounded by Sakura trees will be ready to welcome tourists soon following the groundbreaking ceremony previously held on March 11.  

"Until now, the progress has reached 97 percent completion. After adding more ornaments, in a few weeks, we will inaugurate the Sakura Beach," Junaedi said at the venue on Monday, May 24.

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Junaedi said the construction of the new tourist destination on Untung Jawa Island began when a Japanese diplomat planted a sakura tree during his visit to the beach. Since then, the locals have named it Sakura Beach.

“People said a Japanese diplomat came and planted a sakura tree here,” said Junaedi.

Currently, 54 sakura trees grow around the coast. Japanese atmosphere is also increasingly felt by the presence of Japanese traditional lanterns and gates.

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Junaedi introduced the Indonesian version of the Japanese village to promote tourist destinations in Jakarta during the opening of the commemoration of the 494th Jakarta Anniversary, which was held virtually on Monday.

"Today is the opening ceremony to commemorate the 494th Jakarta Anniversary. In the Thousand Islands, the celebrations will take place in the Japanese Village, Sakura Beach, Untung Jawa Village," said Junaedi.

Junaedi hoped that the Japanese Village and Sakura Beach will attract more tourists to visit the Thousand Islands as well as to revive the economy of the locals.

"Hopefully it will revive the economy in the tourism sector during this Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

(Writer: Ira Gita Natalia Sembiring | Editor : Jessi Carina, Sandro Gatra, Nursita Sari)

Sources:https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2021/05/24/14440131/pembangunan-kampung-jepang-di-pulau-untung-jawa-sudah-97-persen-segera

https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2021/05/24/13392361/pencanangan-hut-dki-jakarta-kepulauan-seribu-perkenalkan-wisata-kampung

https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2021/03/13/11441941/kampung-jepang-di-untung-jawa-diharapkan-dongkrak-perekonomian-warga