TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The attractive pictures we found on the internet, and the stories we heard from friends, have sent us across the ocean towards the Lanjukang Island. The image of a beautiful and unique island have strengthened our desire of sailing across the ocean.
After around a three-hour sea trip, we arrived on the island that is inhabited by only 15 families and around 50 people in total. Lanjukang is one of 12 islands belongs to Spermonde Islands cluster in the region of Ujung Tanah distriict, around 40-kilometer from Makassar City.
The island is also called Lanjukang Island as clearly written on the territory board planted on the beach. Some also call the island as Laccukang.
“Lanjukang originated from the word ‘lanjutkan’ (keep going),” said Hasan, a local resident.
Since long time ago, he added, the 6-hectare island has become a transit place for fishermen.
“They stop by to take a bath and refill their drinking water.”
The island is located in the furthermost part of the cluster. And because of its function as a transit place, there were barely public facilities available all over the island. No school, no health center, and also no other public facilities. A mosque and a fresh water well in the center of the island are the only facilities available.
If the well run dry, local people had to import fresh water from nearest island, or even from Makassar.
So, do not expect to find any cellular phone network in this place. Everything is like on mute. On the other side of the island, Lanjukang offers its natural beauty as if it invites people to enjoy the work of God.
Like many other visitors, I came to find seclusion in Lanjukang. The view of blue ocean is matched with the vast carpet of white sand. In dusk, we can enjoy the sunset view like a king – nobody else is interrupting.
When the night is high, the moon become the only source of light while the generator-powered lights can only be turned on until 21:00 local time.
That night, my friends and I spread a mat on the white sand carpet, with the sky as our roof. We were hanging out and chatting alongside the rythm of the sea waves that were chased by the wind. It was a perfect seclusion, far from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The nature was calm and peaceful.
On this beach, swimming and snorkeling are possible to do. The coral reefs live well under the water of Lanjukang. Fishes continue to gather around the Lakujang water.
It will be a good idea to bring some of your old unused stuff such as clothes and books to Lankujang. It can be donated to the local people. The islanders are sure to be happy when receiving it.
However, before setting off to the island, there are some unique facts about Lanjukang. Folk stories said that people of Lanjukang are a direct descendant of the South Sulawesi veteran legions called ‘Mamma Bora’ who have been inhabiting the island since 1942.
Other fact is that the native people are physically short, with maximum height only 150 centimeters. The physical condition is due to an unknown disease that have been suffered by the people for generations. The disease is said to occur because the native people continue to marry other islanders.
Despite all of that, people in Lanjukang island are friendly to visitors. However, make sure to get permission before taking photos of the people.
SUTRISNO ZULKIFLI