Tidung Kecil Island to Be Made a Cat-Friendly Tourist Destination
Reported by Anita Karyati | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
The Seribu Islands Regency administration is about to make Tidung Kecil Island a cat-friendly tourist destination.
This Cat Island will be managed professionally, prioritizing health, care, and other needs
Seribu Islands Acting Regent, Muhammad Fadjar Churniawan said the survey to the Tidung Kecil Island was conducted following the Governor's instructions, which will open the Kucing Island tourist attraction in Seribu Islands.
Four islands in South Seribu Islands were surveyed. They were Onrust, Cipir, Rambut, and Tidung Kecil.
Jakarta Achieves MURI Record for Most Cat Sterilizations"We were ordered to determine the island that will be designated as a tourist destination, Cat Island. Among the four islands we surveyed, Tidung Kecil Island is the most suitable," he expressed, Tuesday (4/22).
He explained the determination of the island involves Animal Defenders Indonesia. It would be followed by an academic review and feasibility study of the island for the presence of cats.
"This Cat Island will be managed professionally, prioritizing health, care, and other needs, thus it can be enjoyed by tourists," he explained.
He went on to say that Cat Island tourism in Seribu Islands aimed to create a cat-friendly space and a community of cat lovers.
Like the example of Cat Island, the Japanese government has developed it as a tourist destination, located on Aoshima Island. Access to the island is by ferry from the coast of Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture.
"Hope this can boost the economy and absorb the local workforce," he hoped.
Animal Defenders Indonesia Founder, Doni Herdaru Tona, believed that Tidung Kecil Island is very spacious and suitable to be developed as Cat Island tourism.
"We see potential on this island with its white sand and good vegetation, the island's condition is very good and it can serve as a reference for addressing social conflicts regarding cats," he explained.
He admitted the veterinarian would be involved and would also provide various facilities to meet the needs of the cat.
"We choose Tidung Kecil Island and will report it to the Governor. The selection of this island means we won't disturb the existence of Tidung Kecil Island that has been developed previously," he stated.