Thousand Islands, Administrative regency in Jakarta, Indonesia
The Thousand Islands are an administrative regency in Jakarta, Indonesia, consisting of 342 islands in the Java Sea spread over a length of roughly 45 kilometers (28 miles). The islands vary greatly in size and character, from tiny uninhabited sandbanks to larger islets with settlements and infrastructure.
The island group served as a strategic naval base during Dutch colonial times, particularly when Onrust Island became a shipyard for the Dutch East India Company in the early 17th century. Several islands later developed into quarantine stations and trading posts that secured shipping routes between Europe and East Asia.
Traditional fishing communities on the inhabited islands maintain their maritime way of life, preserving centuries-old navigation methods and boat-building skills. Their houses often stand on stilts above the water, reflecting the close connection to the sea.
Ferry connections from mainland Jakarta depart from several docks, with journey times ranging from two to four hours depending on weather conditions and sea state. It is advisable to remain flexible with travel plans as crossings may occasionally be delayed or canceled during rough seas.
The regent is not elected but directly appointed by the governor of Jakarta, making this region the only one of its kind in Indonesia. This special administrative structure reflects the geographic challenges of managing such a scattered island cluster.
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