25 December 2022
Ternate, a city located in North Maluku Province, covers an area of 5,795.4 km². It once served as the temporary capital of North Maluku from 1999 until 2010, before the capital officially moved to Sofifi in the Tidore Islands on August 4th, 2010.
Despite its size, Ternate is rich in history. From the legacy of the Sultanate to the island’s significance in the spice trade, Ternate has also been shaped by the frequent eruptions of Mount Gamalama, an active volcano that continues to loom large over the island.
Historical records show that Mount Gamalama has erupted several times over the centuries, with one of the most significant eruptions occurring in 1673, when lava flowed all the way to the coastline. Evidence of this can still be seen today in the Batu Angus area, located in Kulaba Village on the western side of Ternate. Batu Angus, which translates as “burnt rock,” is now a popular tourist attraction and a designated Geo Park.
The area is characterised by vast stretches of blackened rock, which appear scorched and reach from the base of Mount Gamalama down to the sea, covering an area of roughly 17 hectares. Batu Angus has become a favourite destination not only for local tourists but also for international visitors, who consider it a must-see when travelling to Ternate.
For those looking to explore Batu Angus, it’s a short 10-kilometre journey from the city centre, easily accessible by car or motorbike. Entry fees are affordable, with visitors on foot paying around 7,000 rupiah, while cars are charged between 14,000 and 20,000 rupiah.
In recent years, the local government has made efforts to enhance the site’s appeal by improving infrastructure such as roads and gazebos. However, visitors have expressed a desire for more facilities, particularly food stalls, as there are currently none available in the area, meaning tourists need to bring their own refreshments.
“The views here at Batu Angus are stunning, with the black rocks forming pyramid-like structures, interspersed with small green trees. It’s truly breathtaking, especially with Mount Gamalama in the background and the sea nearby,” said Maya, a recent visitor. “But it would be great if there were some food stalls, as there’s nowhere to get a meal.”
Aldi Marto, who works at the Batu Angus site, mentioned that the area is consistently busy with tourists. “We see hundreds of visitors every day, whether it’s a weekend or a weekday,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Ternate City Government has ambitious plans for the area. Rustam Mahli, Head of the City’s Tourism Office, explained that by 2023, Batu Angus will be officially designated as a Geo Tourism site. This project is being developed in collaboration with Ternate’s Regional Research and Development Agency (Balitbangda) and the North Maluku Geology Experts Association.
In addition to this designation, several new facilities are planned for the site, including food stalls, improved lighting, better roads leading to the beach, and a geo-tourism museum. “These developments will allow visitors to enjoy Batu Angus well into the evening, while also contributing to the region’s economic growth,” Rustam added.
The Tourism Office has also set up Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) in each district with tourist attractions, helping to promote and manage these sites, with the aim of boosting the local economy and enhancing the overall visitor experience in Ternate.
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