HALO JEPARA- The morning sun shines softly in the Karimunjawa sky. On a simple fishing boat that sways gently in the small waves, the Regent of Jepara, Witiarso Utomo, who is familiarly called Mas Wiwit, stands looking at the expanse of blue sea that stretches to the horizon.
In the distance, a stretch of seaweed can be seen floating, witnessing the struggle of farmers who depend on their harvest.
Last weekend morning, Mas Wiwit visited farmers and the community in Dukuh Mrican, Kemujan Village, Karimunjawa District. His arrival was not just to make small talk but also to dive deeper into their lives. By boarding a fishing boat, he saw firsthand the expanse of seaweed cultivation that has been one of the mainstays of the community’s economy.
On a simple boat, Witiarso spoke with enthusiasm.
“This cultivation is not just about the harvest, but how we can make it an ecotourism destination,” he said.
The big plan is not without reason. With a land area of around 500 hectares, Karimunjawa has great potential to combine the tourism and marine cultivation sectors, offering a unique experience for tourists who want to get to know the life of seaweed farmers better.
Mas Wiwit believes that ecotourism is not just a discourse. By providing assistance in the form of seeds and equipment to farmers, he wants to ensure that seaweed cultivation not only produces abundant harvests but also becomes a tourist attraction.
“Cultivation that can be touristed,” he said with an optimistic smile.
For Mas Wiwit, ecotourism is a strategic step. With one action, two benefits can be obtained: tourism and cultivation results. In fact, he has prepared a big plan by encouraging farmers to conduct comparative studies to Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, which has been successful in managing seaweed cultivation.
“If you are still confused about pests and weather, we learn abroad. Don’t stop here,” he added.
He aspires to make Karimunjawa one of the main suppliers of seaweed in Indonesia with a target of at least 10 percent of national needs.
Hopes That Re-grow
For Muslikhun, a seaweed farmer, the idea of ecotourism is a breath of fresh air that brings new hope. Since 2017, farmers in Karimunjawa have been experiencing difficult times. Pests and bad weather have caused harvests to decline drastically, leaving only 1.5 to 2 kilograms per point.
“Previously the results were abundant, now they have decreased. But with the new breakthrough from the Regent, I am optimistic that Karimunjawa seaweed can be successful again,” he said with sparkling eyes.
He imagined how tourists who come will not only enjoy the beauty of the sea, but also learn about the process of cultivating seaweed.
The Head of Kemujan Village, Mas’ud Dwi Wijayanto, also appreciated the steps taken by the Regent of Jepara. According to him, continued government support will be the key for farmers to rise.
“Thank you for the support. Hopefully Karimunjawa seaweed can shine again,” he said.
Ecotourism, a Dream Being Woven
Mas Wiwit realizes that change cannot happen overnight. However, he is confident that with collaboration between the government, farmers, and the community, seaweed ecotourism can become a reality.
With plans to expand the cultivation area to 1,000 hectares, Karimunjawa is expected to become a major contributor to national seaweed commodities.
As the ship slowly returned to the dock, Mas Wiwit took the time to chat with the fishermen. Smiles and laughter were heard intimately as if reflecting the great hopes that were being woven together.
“Karimunjawa is not just a tourist destination, but a home for those who continue to struggle to face the challenges of the sea. Behind every wave, there is a story about determination, hope, and dreams that will one day become real. We want the ecotourism concept to run optimally in Karimunjawa,” said Mas Wiwit.
