Bontang Transforms! From Industrial City to Future Green Tourism Paradise

So far, Bontang, East Kalimantan has been synonymous with an industrial city, full of chimneys, factories, and energy activity. Now, this city on the eastern coast of Kalimantan is stepping into a new chapter as a green tourism destination, combining education, conservation, and creative economy.

“This strategic step marks a new phase in Bontang's economic transformation, from an industrial city dominated by energy-based industries to a green and inclusive tourism destination,” said the Head of the Bontang City Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office (DPMPTSP), Muhammad Aspianur, in Bontang, Saturday.

This transformation is not just a slogan. The local government is now opening green investment opportunities for the development of an edupark, a family-based educational tourism park that offers learning and recreational experiences in one package.

This opportunity is part of Bontang's commitment to sustainable investment. 

“The family-based edupark investment opportunity being offered is part of the region's commitment to green investment, to make Bontang a new magnet combining natural beauty, environmental learning, and strengthening the creative economy,” continued Aspianur.

This initiative is a concrete manifestation of the Bontang General Investment Plan (RUPM) 2025-2035, where the educational tourism and creative industry sectors are designated as the main engines of the region's new economic growth.

Coastal Paradise: From Mangrove to Beras Basah Island

Besides the edupark, Bontang also has a series of premier coastal tourist destinations ready to be developed into world-class tourism investment attractions.

Starting from the Bontang Kuala Mangrove Forest, which already features mangrove eco-edupark attractions, a skybridge, observation tower, conservation gallery, eco-cafe, to conservation-based educational tourism. This place has become a symbol of the balance between humans and nature.

There is also Beras Basah Island, the main tourist icon of Bontang with an eco-resort, family beach park, and solar energy-based facilities. Its white sand and clear sea make anyone want to stay longer here.

No less interesting, Tihi-Tihi Island offers snorkeling experiences and a Marine EduPark focused on community-based coral conservation. 

Meanwhile, Malahing Tourism Village and Bontang Kuala offer coastal cultural experiences with floating homestays, seafood centers, and characteristic local MSME crafts.

Bontang and the Future of the Archipelago Capital

With its strategic location on the coast of East Kalimantan, Bontang is now an important partner for the Archipelago Capital (IKN). 

Government support for sustainable investment makes this city increasingly attractive as one of the most promising regions for tourism and creative economy investment.

Bontang's transformation shows that an industrial city can turn into a green-oriented tourism city. 

From mangrove forests to underwater tourism, from educational parks to floating villages, all lead to one grand vision: realizing Bontang as the green city of the future.

For tourists, now is the time to see Bontang not just as an industrial city, but as a place where nature, science, and economy grow together in harmony.(Antara)