Considering that Jakarta is sometimes called the Big Durian let’s explore Duren Seribu. Does the name Duren Seribu intrigue you? It hints at a place abundant, maybe with durian fruit. However Duren Seribu is actually a village. It sits within Bojongsari in Depok. The village is part of West Java province. Duren Seribu is an administrative division. Specifically it is a boundary of the administrative type. It is not just any village.
Duren Seribu is a vital component of the Jakarta metropolitan area. Jakarta is like Indonesia’s version of New York City. It’s a sprawling metropolis with many people. The Greater Jakarta Area contains almost 30 million people. That’s like all of Canada. Jakarta can feel daunting initially. But with time you might find its inner sweetness. Jakarta can be like the durian fruit. Some learn to love durians. Though opinions are divisive you either love it or hate it. The same can be said about Jakarta.
The Thousand Islands are north of Jakarta’s coast. Officially called Kepulauan Seribu the Thousand Islands form Jakarta’s only regency. The Thousand Islands is a chain of 342 islands. These stretch 45 km north into the Java Sea. They sit at West Jakarta Bay. They are also located North of Banten Province.
Only 36 islands are for recreation. Just 13 islands are fully developed. Eleven have resorts. Two are historic parks. Twenty-three islands are private. They are not open to the public. The remaining islands are either uninhabited. Others support a fishing village.
The Thousand Islands Marine National Park is a must-see. It is located 45 km North of Jakarta. This vast park spans 107489 hectares. The park protects diverse marine life. There are 54 sea biota species that form the coral reef ecosystem. Also there are 144 fish species. You can find two giant clam species here. Six species of seagrass thrive. Sea worms of various colors populate the waters. 17 coastal bird species also live here.
Jakarta is unique. Its geographical features make it a one-of-a-kind capital. It contains over 100 islands within its boundaries. The Thousand Islands Regency has 110 islands. These islands divide into two districts. There is Kepulauan Seribu Selatan that means South Thousand Islands. And there is Kepulauan Seribu Utara or North Thousand Islands. Each district divides into three sub-districts known as Kelurahan.
Exploring Jakarta and its surroundings reveals layers of history culture and natural beauty. While in Duren Seribu remember you are standing in a place with links to a significant capital. A capital with islands. A Big Durian of a city.