Government Positions Tanjung Kelayang SEZ as Sustainable Tourism Hub

BELITUNG, Jakartaweekly.com—The Indonesian government has reaffirmed that the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Belitung will serve as a showcase for the country’s sustainable tourism development.

Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the area is not only intended to attract investment but also to demonstrate how tourism destinations can balance economic growth with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.

“This SEZ is not merely an investment gateway, but also a showcase of Belitung’s tourism that promotes sustainable development, cultural preservation, marine tourism, geotourism, culinary tourism, and the empowerment of local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises,” Widiyanti said in Belitung recently.

She noted that developing a tourism destination depends not only on investment but also on accessibility. Improving connectivity, she said, is essential to strengthening Belitung’s competitiveness as a world-class tourism destination.

According to Widiyanti, Scoot’s direct flights connecting Singapore and Belitung provide a strategic opportunity to expand international access to Belitung Island, particularly the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ.

“This direct connectivity not only creates opportunities to increase international tourist arrivals, but also strengthens Belitung’s position as one of Indonesia’s priority destinations, offering marine tourism, geotourism, cultural experiences, gastronomy, and community-based tourism villages,” she said.

Meanwhile, Daniel Alexander Napitupulu, Director of PT Belitung Pantai Intan and the operator of the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ, said the area, branded as Tanjung Kelayang Reserve, continues to strengthen its position as a premium tourism destination built on conservation principles and low-carbon development.

Daniel said investment continues to grow across the 324.4-hectare area while adhering to sustainable development principles. One of the projects currently underway is the construction of a low-density resort using materials sourced from within the area, along with the development of special-interest tourism attractions.

The management is also expanding recreational and sports facilities. Following the positive response to its pickleball court, the destination plans to add one tennis court, another pickleball court, and a padel court.

“We are introducing this destination by offering a wide range of activities that visitors can enjoy,” Daniel said.

The development also includes a wellness center located within a village inside the SEZ as part of efforts to diversify tourism experiences. In the marine tourism sector, operators are expanding their fleet of boats designed not only for transportation but also for tourism activities such as dinner cruises and sunset cruises.

Daniel added that approximately half of the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ’s total 324.4-hectare area has been designated as a conservation zone managed with the assistance of a resident biologist through ongoing conservation programs.

The conservation area is home to various wildlife species, including pangolins, tarsiers, mouse deer, endemic dragonflies, and white-bellied sea eagles. Its flora includes the endemic Hopea bilitonensis tree, the rare ghost orchid, and the pelawan mushroom, one of Belitung’s unique natural assets.

As part of its sustainability commitment, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve does not use groundwater for its operations. Instead, all water needs are supplied through a rainwater harvesting system to help mitigate the risk of land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction.