Hi everyone, Shalom Aleichem!
Good afternoon GanSist everyone!
Welcome back to the Nusantara Series, a series that invites us to explore Indonesia’s riches, from culture, history, culinary delights, local wisdom, tourist attractions, to the natural wonders of the archipelago. In the previous series we visited Tanjung Pinang, a city known as one of the centers of Malay culture in Indonesia. This time, our trip is still in the Riau Islands Province, but we are going further north to the group of islands which is one of Indonesia’s front porches, namely the Natuna Islands.
The name Natuna often appears in the news because of its strategic location in the North Natuna Sea. However, behind its geopolitical value, Natuna has extraordinary natural beauty. This group of islands has white sandy beaches, clear sea, giant granite rocks, underwater riches, and endemic animals that are not found anywhere else.
Natuna is also an example of how border regions are able to maintain Malay cultural identity while preserving their natural wealth. It is not surprising that in recent years the government has continued to develop Natuna as a marine tourism destination as well as a geopark area that has high scientific value.
So, what are the surprising facts about the Natuna Islands?
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1. Most of the area is sea
The first fact may surprise many people.
Natuna Regency has an area of around 264 thousand square kilometers, but more than 99 percent of this area is sea. The land is only about two thousand square kilometers, while the rest is a very large water area. Apart from that, Natuna has 154 islands, but only a small part of them are inhabited.
This condition makes the lives of the Natuna people very close to the sea. Fisheries, shipping and marine tourism are developing because they are supported by these geographical conditions.
The sea is not just a territorial boundary for the Natuna people, but a source of life that has been utilized for generations.
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2. Become one of Indonesia’s leading homepages
Natuna has a very strategic geographical position.
These islands are in the northern part of Indonesia and border the North Natuna Sea area. Its location makes Natuna one of Indonesia’s leading regions which has significance in terms of sovereignty, economics and international shipping.
This position makes Natuna an important route for international shipping activities. On the other hand, the government also continues to strengthen infrastructure development and public services so that border areas develop sustainably.
The existence of Natuna reminds that Indonesia is not only the largest archipelagic country in the world, but also has a very large and strategic sea area.
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3. Has a very beautiful expanse of granite rock and sea
This is the fact that best fits the title of the thread.
Many tourists who come to Natuna for the first time admit that they are enchanted by the combination of the clear blue sea and the giant granite rocks scattered along the coast. The landscape reminds some people of Belitung, but Natuna has its own natural character.
Some locations such as Alif Stone ParkBatu Kasah Beach, Senua Island, and the Senubing area display granite formations formed through geological processes over millions of years. Apart from having high aesthetic value, this area is also an important part of development Natuna Geoparkwhich is being prepared towards recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The view of granite rocks combined with tropical seas makes Natuna one of the most photogenic maritime destinations in Indonesia.
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4. Becomes a home for the endemic animals of Kekah Natuna
Natuna is not only rich in marine beauty.
This area is also the habitat of Kekah Natuna (Presbytis born), which is an endemic primate found only in the Natuna Islands. This animal lives in tropical forest areas and has an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, especially as a disperser of seeds for various types of plants.
The existence of endemic animals shows that Natuna has high conservation value. Therefore, preserving forests and their natural habitats is very important so that these species can survive.
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5. Heaven for Marine Tourism Lovers
For sea fans, Natuna is a very attractive destination.
The waters have high clarity so they are suitable for snorkeling, diving, fishing or enjoying the underwater panorama. Coral reefs that are still relatively good provide habitat for various types of tropical fish and other marine organisms.
Apart from underwater activities, tourists can also enjoy pristine beaches with a calm atmosphere. Because the number of visitors is not as large as other popular tourist destinations, many beach areas in Natuna still maintain their authentic environment.
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6. Malay Culture is Still Very Aware
Apart from nature, Natuna is also rich in culture.
The majority of Natuna people come from Malay culture which still maintains various traditions, ranging from language, music, dance, culinary delights, to customs. Values such as deliberation, mutual cooperation and respect for guests are still an important part of community life.
Typical culinary delights such as fresh fish, seafood and various preparations made from sago and coconut also show how people use local resources wisely.
The combination of Malay culture with maritime life creates a unique Natuna identity compared to other regions in Indonesia.
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7. Currently developing as a world geotourism destination
The latest facts show Natuna’s very promising future.
In recent years, local governments together with various institutions have continued to develop Natuna Geopark. This area not only displays the beauty of granite rocks, but also has high geological, ecological, cultural and educational value.
Various geositelike Senubing, Alif Stone ParkBatu Sindu, and Senua Island are part of this effort. In 2026, Natuna will also further strengthen its steps as Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark.
If development is carried out sustainably, Natuna has the potential to become one of Indonesia’s leading geotourism destinations at the international level.
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CLOSURE
The Natuna Islands are one of the jewels of the archipelago that is still not widely known to the wider public. Its vast sea area, strategic position as Indonesia’s front porch, the beauty of granite rocks, the presence of endemic animals, the richness of marine tourism, Malay culture which remains sustainable, and the development of the Natuna Geopark make this area have a complete attraction.
Through the Nusantara Series, we again realize that Indonesia has many extraordinary regions that have not been fully explored. Natuna proves that border areas are not only important from a geographical perspective, but also contain natural, cultural and scientific wealth that is worthy of pride.
Hopefully more Indonesians will get to know and visit the Natuna Islands while maintaining cleanliness, respecting local culture, and supporting environmental conservation efforts. The beauty of Natuna is part of the nation’s heritage and should be preserved for future generations.
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SOURCE
Natuna Regency Central Statistics Agency. (2026). Natuna Regency in Figures 2026. Ranai: BPS Natuna Regency.
Natuna Regency Tourism Office. (2026). Natuna Geopark and Featured Tourist Destinations. Natuna Regency Government.
Natuna Regency Government. (2026). Geographical Conditions of Natuna Regency. Ranai: Natuna Regency Government.
Natuna Regency Government. (2026). Natuna Geopark Tourism and Geosite. Ranai: Natuna Regency Government.
UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme. (2025). UNESCO Global Geoparks: Guidelines and Criteria. Paris: UNESCO.
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