For those of you who want to have a new experience on a vacation to the beach, the Morotai SEZ is very suitable. Yes, there are at least six exciting activities that are ready to give you an unforgettable experience. What are they? Here we have summarized the interesting reviews.

1. Explore beautiful island

Island hopping is a mandatory activity when you vacation in the Morotai SEZ. Apart from being beautiful, each island has its uniqueness, including Kokoya Island, Kolorai Island, White Sand, Zum-zum Island and Dodola Island. The last two islands are islands that have become the main attraction of tourists until now.

Dodola Island itself is divided into two, namely Dodola Besar and Dodola Kecil. Where the distance between the two islands is 500 meters and separated by seawater at low tide. The uniqueness of Dodola island, if you walk from Dodola Besar to Dodola Kecil when the sea water recedes, you will feel the sensation of “walking across the ocean”. While the charm of Zum-zum Island lies its rich history. You can see a statue of General Mc Arthur from the United States as high as 20 meters there. This statue was built as a reminder of General Mc Arthur because he had settled and set strategies when fighting with Japan in World War II.

2. Snorkeling to see coral reefs and colorful fish

You also shouldn’t miss this activity. Because Morotai is famous as an island with its “sea tourism”, so it’s a shame if you have come all the way to see its beauty. The recommended places for snorkeling are Dodola Island, Pasir Timbul and Kokoya Island and the good news, you can snorkel while exploring the island.

3. Dive the site of shipwrecks and blackfin sharks

Yes, in Morotai you can dive at the site of Bristol Beuford fighter aircraft, tanks, ships, or Jeep Willys types. All of these are relics of the fighting of United States forces with Japan. To see the wreckage of fighter planes, tanks, ships and jeeps, you can go to Wawama Wreck Dive Point located in Wawama Village in South Morotai which takes about 3 hours from Daruba City.

If you dive with blackfin sharks, you can visit the Mitita Shark Point diving spot on Mitita Island. Don’t imagine that when diving you will dive a long distance with the shark. Not. Blackfin sharks on Mitita Island are commonly visited by divers and are known to be docile. You can take pictures up close to a distance of one to two meters. All you need is a calm demeanor when you’re around them.

4. Explore history at a World War II museum

This activity is no less exciting for you to visit. What is in the museum? The contents, many photos and narratives, replicas of war equipment and historical relics of World War II that occurred in 1939 – 1945. Not satisfied with exploring its history? Relax, tourists can also visit the mini museum in Daruba Village owned by Mukhlis Eso which has many relics of World War II.

You can also come to the Trikora Museum which is next to the World War II Museum. Trikora or Tri Komando Rakyat was a combat operation designed by President Sukarno in 1961 to liberate Irian Jaya (Papua) from the clutches of Dutch colonialism. The contents of this museum itself are photos and narratives, dioramas, to replicas of defense equipment owned by the Indonesian army at that time.

5. See rare birds

Pitta Paok Morotai bird, (Photo: By courtesy)

Yes, bird-watching activities are also exciting. You can see endemic birds that are rare and beautiful in Eastern Indonesia, especially Morotai Island. Pitta Paok Morotai (Pitta Morotaiensis) is one of the birds that many tourists want to see. The peculiarity of this bird lies in the blue (ultramarine blue) wing covers. The waist is white and the edges of the inner feathers are blue-green.

In addition, other birds are no less beautiful, namely the Cikukua Halmahera Bird, Gray-headed Walik Bird, Red-eyed Perling Bird, Beautiful Parrot Bird, Green Cockatoo, Purple Necklace Parrot, Halmahera Crow, Halmahera Cotton, Papuan Julang Bird and Morotai Alap-Alap Eagle. The location is located in Wewemo Village Forest about 50 km or 1 hour from Morotai city center.

6. Morotai culinary tour

(Gohu fish, photo: google)

Some typical Morotai culinary that you should try, include gohu ikan, a spicy dish processed by skipjack fish cut into cubes seasoned with stir-fried onions and chili. In addition, there is ginger rice made from rice mixed with coconut milk, then wrapped in leaves and burned in spices.

Then there is papeda which is the result of processed sago. However, papade must be eaten with fish sauce so that it is not sticky, or can also be eaten with bananas and peanut sauce. The typical drink that you need to taste is guraka water. It is a traditional drink of the Morotai people. Made from ginger boiled with brown sugar, it has been known to have health benefits.

Even so, there is actually still another interesting tour that can be explored in the Morotai SEZ for tourists, namely bird watching. What is bird watching? This is an activity to observe and document rare or endemic birds of certain birds in eastern Indonesia, especially Morotai Island, which cannot be found anywhere else.

Burung Pitta Paok Morotai

So, what’s special about birdwatching in the North Maluku area? Because North Maluku has a wealth of biodiversity and has been included in the Endemic Bird Area, which is an area identified by BirdLife International as an important area for habitat-based bird conservation.

Many endemic bird areas on Morotai Island can be used as shooting spots as well as bird watching. Wewemo Village Forest, in East Morotai District – Morotai Island is one of the spots for tourists who want to see Morotai endemic birds.  There is a rare and beautiful bird species that only exists on Morotai Island, namely the Pitta Paok Morotai bird (Pitta Morotaiensis).

“One of the things that many people want to see is the Morotai Pitta Paok bird,” said Susan Wijaya General Manager of Jababeka Morotai, as the developer of the Morotai Special Economic Zone, recently. A distinctive feature of the Pitta Paok Morotai bird is that it has a darker blue wing cover (ultramarine blue). The waist is white and the edges of the inner feathers are blue-green. And has a larger body than other Pitta birds on the island of Maluku (about 25-28 cm)

Pitta Paok Morotai bird, (Photo: By courtesy)

In addition to the Pitta Paok Morotai bird, there is still another endemic bird that is often sought after on Morotai Island, namely the Cikukua Halmahera Bird (Morotai Friarbird). Then other types of birds can be found on Morotai Island, namely Red-eyed Perling, Elok Parrot / Green Cockatoo, Purple Necklace Parrot, Halmahera Crow, Halmahera Cotton, Grey Headed Fruit Dove Pigeon, Papuan Julang Bird and Morotai Alap-Alap Eagle.

The distance from downtown Morotai to Wewemo Village is about 50 km or about 1 hour by land. Access is also fairly easy with a large road width.  Interested in going there? Incidentally, Daloha Beach and Dive Resort inn has a bird-watching tour package for travelers, including tours to other tourist attractions on Morotai Island.

Susan Wijaya explained that Jababeka Morotai – one of the subsidiaries of PT Jababeka Tbk, used to bring tourists to visit and hear the melodious sounds of rare birds in Morotai, including the Morotai Pitta Paok bird. In this tour package, Daloha Beach and Dive Resort will pick up and drop tourists home at the airport, providing lodging, food, to guides at pocket-friendly prices. So, tourists don’t need to bother anymore because everything has been taken care of. If you are interested in knowing more about this tour package, you can visit the page on Instagram @jababekamorotai.

For your information, the Mitita Shark Point diving spot on Morotai Island is one of the strong attractions that makes local and foreign tourists come so that it’s included in the list of 10 New Balis by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. In these diving spots, divers can swim with blacktip sharks or blackfin sharks that are known to be tame with clear sea water.

The raising of the red and white flag went safely and successfully. Susan Wijaya as General Manager of Jababeka Morotai explained that there were 34 divers from various agencies, namely the Morotai lanal diving team, the Polairud diving team, the Basarnas diving team, the POSSI diving team and Jababeka Morotai.

“Our goal is to participate, nothing other than to enliven the 77th independence day of the Republic of Indonesia. And thank God it went smoothly,” explained Susan, at the Batavia Tower, Jakarta, Thursday (18/8/2022).

In addition, Susan added, Jababeka Morotai – one of the subsidiaries of PT Jababeka Tbk – wants to also contribute to society and the environment, especially preserving the sea.

“As directed by Mr. Kasal, Admiral of the TNI Yudo Margono, to maintain synergy and foster a sense of community with agencies with the community and maintain the sustainability of the sea, we want to also be involved in maintaining the sustainability of the sea,” he explained.

Not to forget, Susan expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Navy and Commander of the Navy Base Morotai Lt. Col. (P) Amin Wibowo, S.T who provided the opportunity to contribute and synergize in raising the red and white flag under the sea.

“Hopefully this activity can become an annual activity,” hoped Susan.

The Cooperation Agreement is signed by Basuri Tjahaja Purnama as the President Director of PT Jababeka Morotai, Setiawan Mardjuki as the Director of PT Jababeka Morotai, together with Julius Dharma Liman as the President Director of PT Ocean Mitramas and Rino Febrian as the Director of Indo Numfor Pacific at Menara Batavia – Central Jakarta, Tuesday (17/05/2022).

On the same occasion, the fishing consortium also agrees to support and compliant to the government measured fishing policy. The consortium realizes that measured fishing policy is necessary for ecological balance to maintain the health of the sea.

After the signing of this cooperation agreement, Jababeka Morotai together with Ocean Mitramas and Indo Numfor Pacific promptly visited Morotai SEZ, in order to complete all the preparation necessary so that the project can be started as soon as possible.

Basuri Tjahaja Purnama, the President Director of PT Jababeka Morotai, warmly welcomes the consortium cooperation and hopes that this will be a successful collaboration, considering Morotai Island has an incredible potential for fishery. According to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, potential from the fishery resources is around 68.5 thousand tons per year, while its production output is only around 6.272 tons per year. It means that fishery productivity in Morotai Island is still relatively low.

“We are committed to further developing Morotai Island, and the forming of this consortium is one of our efforts to develop the fishing industry and also to improve the welfare of the Morotai community,” Basuri explained, after the signing ceremony.

Similar remark is also conveyed by Julius Dharma Liman as the President Director of PT Ocean Mitramas. He is happy to take part of the consortium and believes that this cooperation will be successful, which will bring a positive impact toward all parties.

Meanwhile, Rino Febrian, the Director of PT Indo Numfor Pacific stated that their party is well prepared to provide all things needed to immediately execute the project.

“We are ready to provide everything that is needed. We hope this cooperation can go smoothly and the project can start immediately in 2022,” said Rino.

One of them, most recently, was His Excellency Beata Stoczyńska  as Ambassador of Poland. For seven days from November 21 to November 26, 2021, His Excellency Stoczyńska made a working visit to see potential business opportunities in Morotai SEZ that could be “worked on” by Polish entrepreneurs, especially in the fields of energy, environment, trade, tourism and education.

In a visit accompanied by her husband and Michal Weglarz as a representative of the Political and Economic Attaché of the Polish Embassy, Her Excellency Stoczyńska along with the entourage of Polish ambassadors took the time to meet and discuss with the morotai district government regarding business licensing and local government support for Polish investors interested in investing in Morotai.

Then, the manager and developer of the Morotai Special Economic Zone invited to invite dinner at D’Aloha Resort Restaurant with dishes originating from the waters around Morotai, namely fresh seafood and tuna sashimi. Led by Susan Wijaya as General Manager of PT. Jababeka Morotai, several things that became a topic of discussion at the dinner, namely the potential for cooperation in the fields of energy, fisheries, tourism and education.

“Our chat, just a casual chat about the potential that Morotai SEZ has, namely in the fields of energy, fisheries, and tourism, which we hope is clearly illustrated in the visit of His Excellency Mrs. Stoczyńska,” susan explained.

Meanwhile, His Excellency Stoczyńska said that her visit to Morotai was an invitation from Basuri Tjahaja Purnama as President Director of PT Jababeka Morotai in a meeting at the Polish Embassy office in Jakarta, some time ago.

Invite a group of hopping island ambassadors

Not to forget, the management of KEK Morotai also invited the polish ambassador’s entourage to do hopping island. The goal, so that they can witness with their own eyes the beauty of the small islands around Morotai Island.

For example, Pasir Timbul Island, an island that only arises when sea level recedes with smooth white sand beaches, and clear sea water as clear as crystal, and tourists can lie relaxed at sea level because it has high salt levels.

After that, the group was taken to Kokoya Island which is an uninhabited empty island. All the ambassadors’ entourage seemed amazed because when they came to Kokoya Island bak was on a private island. “And all around them is just white sand and beautiful coral reefs,” susan explained.

Then, the group also stopped near Dodola Island and did snorkeling. Here, His Excellency Stoczyńska can no longer cover her admiration for the underwater beauty of Morotai Island. Coral corals of various colors and various types of fish that only exist in the sea of Eastern Indonesia make him fall in love with Morotai.

“Wow, it’s like in Heaven,” he said several times.

His Excellency Stoczyńska said that she really enjoyed the beautiful natural scenery around Dodola Island and was grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy the charm of morotai underwater beauty. Moreover, the atmosphere on the quiet island of Dodola, making The body of Her Majesty Stoczyńska so relaxed.

Closing hopping island on Morotai Island, His Excellency Stoczyńska and his entourage visited Zum-zum Island which is also called McArthur Island. Why is that? Because on Zum-zum Island is the hideout of General McArthur, the leader of allied army forces in World War II against the Japanese. General Mc Arthur is known for his “I shall return” and is evidenced by returning to Morotai and winning the battle against the Japanese.

His Excellency Stoczyńska also really enjoyed the relics of World War II historical items by looking directly at the trails on Morotai Island that can easily be seen along the Morotai islands and World War II museums.

Promise to return to Morotai Island

At the end of the day, Stoczyńska said she would return for a holiday and stay longer to dive with black fin sharks and dive to see shipwrecks, warships and jeeps left over from World War II on the seabed.

In addition, His Excellency Stoczyńska explained that she had enough to understand the potential of Morotai SEZ– one of the subsidiaries of PT Jababeka Tbk. Starting from tourism, logistics to the fishing industry. He said he would convey the potential of Morotai SEZ to friendly countries in Europe and entrepreneurs in Poland.

The formation of this consortium is a step to respond to electricity needs in Morotai Island, especially in the Morotai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and readiness to respond to PT PLN’s plan as outlined in the National Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) 2021-2030.

Meanwhile, the signing of the cooperation agreement letter was carried out by Basuri Tjahaja Purnama as President Director of PT Jababeka Morotai, Setiawan Mardjuki as Director of PT Jababeka Morotai, with Shigetomi Norio as Chief Representative of Kyudenko, and Tomoichi Yamaguchi as President Director of Santomo in President Lounge, ground floor, Batavia Tower- Central Jakarta, Monday (01/24/2022).

As a division of its duties, Jababeka Morotai will act as land management and industrial estate formation, while Kyudenko and Santomo supply solar panels and other components, as well as construction.

Yamaguchi explained that Santomo was very happy to be a member of the consortium. Jababeka is a leading developer of industrial estates and Kyudenko is the No.1 EPC company for solar power generation in Japan. According to him, this consortium is the most suitable consortium for PLTS in Morotai.

Along with this, Shigetomi Norio considers that the signatories are efforts by Japan and Indonesia – which are both members of the G20 – to work together to reduce carbon emissions and reduce the effects of climate change. Because, Kyudenko has long conducted a survey related to the application of renewable energy in Indonesia, and realized its potential is very large in Indonesia. This is because the shape of the Indonesian state in the form of islands and its people spread to all the islands.

“Previously related to this project, we have experienced PLTS demonstration project in Sumba Island in collaboration with BPPT (which has been renamed BRIN). Pln central and regional, as well as stakeholder relations have seen together that Kyudenko can supply stable energy from PLTS.

They also expressed interest in us to build in other areas not as a demonstration project but as an actual project. Therefore, we are working closely with Jababeka Morotai in conducting a feasibility study and that’s where we see enormous potential in Morotai,” said Shigetomi Norio.

Basuri is also very optimistic about the development plan of IPP PLTS in Morotai SEZ, because each consortium member has complementary advantages so that this project can run well if realized. He also stated that preparations regarding the requirements and construction planning had been carried out.

Morotai SEZ tenants, such as business people and investors in fisheries, logistics, hospitals, data centers, other industries, as well as tourist areas such as theme parks and resorts, will be able to enjoy green energy with the best quality and competitive prices.

In addition, basuri concluded, with the status of special economic zone, tenants will also get special facilities, in the form of facilities for ease of licensing and taxation including tax holiday / taxiIncentives, customs, excise, goods traffic, employment, immigration, land and spatial planning, and business licensing.

PT Jababeka Morotai is a business entity appointed by the President to develop and manage the Morotai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as stated in Government Regulation No. 50/2014. Morotai has an incredible beauty of the sea, as well as infinite natural resources so Morotai was chosen by the government as one of the new Bali destinations and the National Strategic Project.

Sementara itu, Kyudenko Corporation adalah salah satu perusahaan Jepang yang bergerak di bidang desain dan konstruksi fasilitas kelistrikan, fasilitas HVAC (heating, ventilation, dan air conditioning) dan plumbing; fasilitas sanitasi; pencegahan kebakaran; fasilitas distribusi tenaga listrik dan fasilitas tenaga listrik bawah tanah; fasilitas informasi dan telekomunikasi; serta fasilitas energi terbarukan.

Like at home

One of them is Riyo Sudjana, a diver and businessman. Yes, he admitted that he could go on holiday 2-3 times to Morotai Island. That’s because Riyo has been fascinated by the beauty of nature and the friendliness of the people.

At first Riyo fell in love with its natural beauty, only then did she fall in love with the hospitality of the Morotai people. Riyo felt that hospitality when she came to Morotai the second time by herself. For almost two weeks he lived and toured Morotai Island – to get to know Morotai Island better, and Riyo felt a match between himself and the character of the Morotai community.

Riyo told me that she could talk “at length” at the homes of local residents who were unfamiliar or new to her. And they themselves do not feel uncomfortable chatting with Riyo – who is actually a migrant. That is what makes Riyo gradually feel comfortable when taking a trip to Morotai Island.

“I am a divers, I have been diving everywhere. Almost all of the Eastern Indonesian diving spots I have tried, such as Labuan Bajo, Raja Ampat, and diving spots in Sulawesi. But nothing makes me feel at home. Only in Morotai I feel right at home, “Riyo said over the telephone, recently.

“If in Morotai, do not be surprised if you pass through a residential community, then you are offered to stop by to just have coffee or chat. The first time, to be honest, I was surprised to be offered a stop over. “How comehave been offered to stop by, youhave you just met you?” I asked myself. But once playing to other areas apparently local residents like to stop by too. And finally I became aware of ‘oh this is because the character of the community (friendly-friendly), “added Riyo.

Each diving spot has its own uniqueness.

While for its natural beauty, Riyo rate Morotai Island is one of the best diving spots in Indonesia. Because Morotai Island has 28 diving spots, each of which has its own uniqueness. Is that, blacktip sharks, ships and used cars of World War II, the currents, coral, to the cave.

“Plus, transportation to Morotai is easy. From the airport to the place of lodging, D Aloha Resort, only 10 minutes. If from Halmahera you want to take the ferry just four hours, so you don’t get tired at “If you go diving somewhere else it’s usually more than that. It can be 10 hours. That’s what weusually diver think twice about. Well , there’s an airport here,” explained the former chef.

Until now, Riyo claimed, still likes traveling to Morotai alone. But later he also doubles as a trip planner, where Riyo brings her friends to get to know Morotai Island better. Is that a model, presenter, lawyer, and other professions that have plenty of time for a vacation.

View guarantee

One thing that Riyo promised to her friends when inviting Morotai Island is a view guarantee withspots diving a variety of. According to him, it was not much offered at other tourist destinations. Moreover, tourist attractions in the Morotai Special Economic Zone. Because Jababeka Morotai – as a regional developer – has also provided supporting facilities for travelers, such as resorts and homestays, therefore, it is rarely that refuses Riyo’s offer when he offers a package trip to Morotai.

“From the natural beauty of the underwater, the view is guaranteed. View guarantee. The sea in Morotai is very different. I have been to diving places, ranging from domestic to overseas, such as in Australia.

If on the Morotai Island, diving spots it varies, I want to dive with ‘beautiful’; play with colorful small fish on coral but not deep, there is Morotai on it, or want to play ‘deep’, play on a boat (karam), play on currents are fast or slow, or do you want caving? Everything is there. Do you want to chase a mola or a killer whale? Here are the paths and times, “Riyo added.

In fact, Riyo added, in Morotai there is a 300-meter cluster of corals on Rao-Morotai Island which according to the International NGO Coral Research Institute is older than the coral group in Raja Ampat. It’s just that not many people know.

“Therefore, I invited many of my friends here to let them know. ‘Just relax, in Morotai there are many choices. So you will not be bored,’ I said. if we want to dive to Banda, for example. When we have finished exploring diving spots there, then we will go home. We can get just one spot. If you can get a lot in Morotai, just choose, “explained Riyo.

 Beyond diving

For those of you who don’t want to dive, Morotai Island is also a fun tourist spot. You will not run out of activity while there. On Morotai Island, you can explore beautiful uninhabited islands. One of them is to Dodola, an iconic destination on the island of Morotai. “There you can relax, take photos, swim on the edge of the island where the water is very clear,” explained Riyo.

“Fishing is also one of the activities that fascinate at Morotai. Because you do not necessarily have to go to the sea. Quite 30 minutes was able to tuna that big.

If fishing on the island of Java, it we must out to sea with a 5-6 hour trip. Later, so we can fish, directly into the fish processing at the seaside. More in-fillet flesh, so delicious sashimi really sure if eaten. Fresh really because, “said Riyo .

“In Morotai you can also see dolphins from the beach. Where else can it be. Must go to the sea. Must be a joint (money) first. If you want the adrenaline, You can go offroad and tracking to the King’s Waterfall, the cave where the Japanese army used to hide, or enter the forest to look for birds endemic to the islands of Eastern Indonesia, “explained Riyo.

According to Riyo, divers or travelers need to try a vacation to Morotai Island – at least once in a lifetime. Because the charm that is presented by Morotai Island is not inferior to Labuan Bajo, Raja Ampat or Bali.

“Many benchmark vote for diving it Labuan Bajo or Raja Ampat, and if you want cheap it was to Bali. But if I say, ‘cobain deh to Morotai’. Labuan Bajo that the current is strong, so just for the diver who got licenses advance.Beginners do not we can. In Morotai, there are diving spots for beginners, for advance too, we can dive in and out of the cave. Enter at a depth of 28 meters and exit at a depth of 32 meters. About the price, Morotai is also friendly, “he said.

The best season in Morotai

What about the best season itself in Morotai? Riyo suggested in March to September. Because this period is the bestseason sea ​​tourismin Morotai.

However, that does not mean that outside the season is not good. It’s just that after September, not all of them are good. “In the best season, all the tourism is good. The sea is calm and the water is clear. While for fishing tuna and big pelagic fish, it is better in September to February, because in that period the waves are strong,” he said.

“How many days should you spend on Morotai? In my opinion, if you are diving, 4-5 days is worth it. We recommend a week. Because for diving to one spot, it takes ‘time to eat’ all day, that is to leave early in the morning, return home in the afternoon. diving, the next day ‘beaten’ diving again, the body ‘fall out’. A week is the minimum, so that the body can rest. If you want to try the ‘land tour’ it only needs to add more days, “concluded Riyo.

If you don’t want to bother to arrange the trip, you can contact D’Aloha Resort, which already has a complete trip package – whether diving, hopping island and various other tours on Morotai Island. D’Aloha will meet your needs wherever your destination choices, ranging from accommodation, transportation, professional guides while in Morotai, to the shuttle to Leo Wattimena Morotai Airport.

Until now, more and more travelers are returning to Morotai because of its natural beauty– as Riyo felt. Some even bought property there. As for what is usually bought by tourists is usually Falila Loft Studio, a modern apartment with a price of 180 million that can be paid in installments of around 1.5 million per month.

The reason they bought their own apartment so that they no longer need to pay accommodation costs while in Morotai as well as passive income because the apartment can be rented out to the public or tourists. It can even be sold to foreigners because it is in a Special Economic Zone. If you want to find out more about Falila Loft Studio, you can check it athttps://www.jababekamorotai.com/falila-loft-studio/

There are many lodging options on Morotai Island, but one of the resorts that can be selected is the D’Aloha Resort. The reason is, this resort has a location on the shoreline, so that tourists do not need to walk far if you want to swim or dive to enjoy the beauty of the marine life inside.

Yunizar, Manager of D Aloha Resort PT. Jababeka Morotai Tbk said that D’Aloha Resort was opened to the public at the beginning of 2013. Having an area of ​​4.5 hectares, the resort has 25 units of cottage.

“Of the 25 cottages , one of them is used for facilities day center while the remaining 24 are divided into 3 types, 2 types are premium, namely type 2 rooms, then there is another type of deluxe with one room or studio type,” said Nizar.

Interestingly, Nizar said that the whole concept of the resort building was inspired by traditional houses. “We take it from the Tomohon traditional house, so the concept is wood with a semi-stage house concept,” added Nizar.

Then what will be enjoyed by tourists if staying at D’aloha Resort?

Tourists can jog on the beach, swim and also do diving or scuba diving. There are three locations diving very interesting there, including Matita Island – where we can swim with black betel sharks in it, Kakoa Island and Dodola Island – an iconic destination on Morotai Island.

Do not stop here, every spot on D’Aloha Resort is very instragamable. For example the spot in front of the resort, if you stand in the morning, you will see a beautiful beach view. To be able to feel it, you only need to get up early in order to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Do you want to enjoy the view with breakfast sauce? That also works.

D’aloha Resort is an inn that was built by PT Jababeka Morotai who is the developer of the Morotai Tourism SEZ. This resort is a 3 star resort and has quite complete facilities.

One of them is preparing a tour package on the island of Morotai which is affordable for the traveler. In this tour package, D’Aloha Resort will pick up and drop off tourists at the airport, provide accommodation, meals, and guides with price per person starting from Rp. 2,800,000, for 3 days and 2 nights.

Consisting of 25 cottages, this resort also provides Deluxe type lodging with 1 bedroom or studio type at a rental price of Rp. 847,000 per night. As for the type of premium 2 bedroom priced at Rp 1,089,000 per night.

“Our location is that from the morotai airport it is only 10 minutes by car, so its location in south morotai so from the airport it continues 10 minutes if we want to go to the city center, namely Daruba, only 10 minutes too. So our position is on the cape, the southernmost of the island morotai, his name is Tanjung Dehegila, “concluded Nizar.

Following the MoU signing TransNusa will provide the flight route of Hongkong–Morotai-Bali with a frequency of 2 times a week. While Jababeka Morotai will provide accommodation and transportation for the tourists who will come to Morotai Island.

According to Basuri Tjahaja Purnama, if the international route is successfully opened, it is projected to make tourism in Morotai Special Economic Zone become more lively and able to boost the amount of local and foreign tourist visits to the Morotai Island.

It is believed that Morotai SEZ is famous for its beautiful beach and underwater nature, filled with the remains of World War II and swimming with blacktip shark safely, exotic waterfalls, Dodola Island, Trikora Museum, World War II Museum, and 28 diving spots with its own uniqueness in each spot.

“This is our effort to accelerate and stimulate the economy in Morotai. We believe that the agreement regarding opening domestic and international routes can help increase tourist visits to Morotai Island and increase the foreign exchange directly to the community of Morotai and the surrounding area, “said Basuri.

The same thing also said by Leo Budiman, that the Bali-Morotai–Hongkong route flight can initiate the growth of tourism and even the economy in Morotai. That is because this route has been through market research process. So it is believed to be able to attract tourists who are in Bali and Hongkong but also the investors to come to Morotai Island.

“I am very optimistic about this agreement. Because Indonesia is the source of market, Indonesia is the starting point of economy, “explained Leo.

So, when will the Bali-Morotai–Hongkong flight route be opened?

“It is planned to be opened in June 2020 when all administrative and field conditions are ready, considering the current conditions in Asia which have not been conducive due to The Corona outbreak. Therefore, let’s pray for the world to recover and can pull through from the virus together and tourism will be passionate again. Amen, “Closed Basuri

As known, Morotai Island is one of the tourist destinations which is included in the program of 10 New Bali because of the potential natural resources of marine and cultural richness. The tourist attractions are usually offered, including Dodola Beach, Zum Zum Island, and Trikora Museum.

To increase the connectivity among tourism destinations in the island, The Ministry of Public Works and Housing has completed the road quality improvement, construction of new roads, and bridge construction on The Morotai Ring Road Section of 201.89 Km long constructed in 2019 with a budget of Rp 273.86 billion. The construction of Morotai Ring Road is one of the National Strategic Programs (PSN) referred to Presidential regulation No. 56 the year of 2018.

Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of House work and Public Housing said, the increase of accessibility and network connectivity of road infrastructure provides tourists smoothness, safety, security, and convenience during traveling to tourism sites in Morotai.

“Better road access will support the economic growth for people living in the tourism area,” said Minister Basuki, Tuesday (18/2/2020).

Responding to that, Basuri Tjahaja Purnama, President Director of PT. Jababeka Morotai as a manager of the Morotai Special Economic Zone said that if the accessibility of the road to Morotai SEZ is well connected, it gives satisfaction to tourists because the traveling time to Morotai SEZ will be faster, hence, the more destinations they can visit.

“Or it will be more convenient for them to enjoy a tourist destination in Morotai as well. Because they feel like they are not in a rush to get to many destinations while visiting Morotai SEZ, “he said.

Basuri added that strengthening connectivity is also very effective to create Morotai SEZ as the logistic center in eastern Indonesia. This is due to the status of Morotai SEZ, which is included as industrial special economic zones. The location of Morotai Island is very strategic which is in a locus of inter-state and intercontinental trade lines.

Geographically Morotai Island is directly facing the Pacific Ocean, a gateway to America, Australia, New Zealand, and close to China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. Those countries have a relatively high trend in economic growth.

“To develop Morotai Island as the logistic center, we have made a master plan for port development. And with the increase of connectivity, it will give a great opportunity for Morotai Island to be the trade center (boat crossing port) in the Asia-Pacific and Logistic Hub di Asia region,” said Basuri.

The improvement of infrastructure road in Morotai, conducted by the Ministry of Housework and Public Housing through the Directorate General Bina Marga, is divided into several works, including the construction of the new road of the Sofi-Wayabula section of 6 Km, at a cost of Rp 32 billion, Road preservation on the city limits of Daruba-Daeo/Sangowo-Bere Bere-Sofi-Daruba – Wayabula for 195.29 Km, at a cost of Rp 10.43 billion.

Furthermore, the construction and replacement of 6 bridges with a cost of Rp 231.43 billion consisting of Bere Bere-Sofi section with length of 152 meters and 7 meters, the Sofi-Wayabula 1 with the length of 125.80 meters, the Sofi-Wayabula 2 with the length of 100 meters, Sofi-Wayabula 3 with the length of 87 meters, and the Sofi-Wayabula 4 with the length of 125 meters. The whole physical work of the construction of Morotai Road is now completed 100%. (QN)