By: Juwita Agung Pusposari

Not everyone can visit the Land of Petuanan Kataloka, either because of distance or financial reasons. But its long history, beauty and rich nature are too good to be ignored. Of course, this is no 'ordinary' trip for anyone who has enjoyed it.

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Have you ever heard of Negeri Petuanan Kataloka? Petuanan Kataloka, located in Maluku Province, East Seram Regency, Gorom Island District, has many surprises. You will find abundant fish in its waters, coral reefs with interesting colors to royal cultural customs that feel still thick. From generation to generation, the customary Petuanan of Negeri Kataloka is organized in a customary institution with the highest leader being the King of Kataloka. The friendly relationship between the people also makes anyone who has visited want to come back to Negeri Petuanan Kataloka.

But, did you know that getting to Negeri Petuanan Kataloka itself is an adventure? We have to spend more than a day traveling by land and sea. The journey to Negeri Petuanan Kataloka is highly dependent on the weather and season. The Gorom sub-district is affected by two monsoons, the east monsoon and the west monsoon, both of which greatly affect the rainfall in the area of Negeri Petuanan Kataloka. According to the surrounding community, the most shady time occurs around November-December and in March-April, so that these two times can be said to be the most ideal time to visit Negeri Petuanan Kataloka.< br />

There are around 27 interesting attractions in the form of natural attractions or cultural and historical sites that can be visited in Negeri Petuanan Kataloka. For example, in Negeri Petuanan Kataloka itself there are 4 cultural and historical sites, namely Bansina which is the beginning of the formation of Gorom Island, Giro Gajah which is the first mosque on Gorom Island, Watu Kaman which is the tomb of the ancestors, as well as the MonumentPLiberation IWestrian and six natural attractions including Koon Island and Grogos Island.

Dive into the Beautiful Waters of Koon

Anyone who enjoys diving into the beauty of Indonesia's seas will surely be impressed by the clear waters of Koon Island. With a travel time of 45 minutes to 1 hour by motorboat, we can reach Koon Island from Negeri Petuanan Kataloka. Besides diving, you can also enjoy the white sand and play on the beach. However, you are not allowed to fish or take fish in the Koon Island area! Because this area is a Marine Conservation Area (KKP) by the Regional Government of East Seram Regency covering an area of 8,161.8 ha through Decree of the Regent of East Seram No. 523/189/KEP/2011 and is guarded with full power by the customary petuanan Negeri Kataloka.

The waters of Koon Island are special because in addition to being a very important area for spawning reef fish, especially Kertang Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus), Sunu Grouper (Plectropomus areolatus), and Red Snapper, the coral reefs are also diverse. This condition makes the habitat on Koon Island need to be preserved together.

With the potential of the waters of Koon Island, and the business opportunity because Koon Island is a cruise ship route to Raja Ampat, Papua Province, WWF-Indonesia began to develop tourism in Petuanan Negeri Adat Kataloka. By opening a marine tourism route in the waters of Koon Island as a first step, it is hoped that tourists going to Raja Ampat can stop at Petuanan Negerti Kataloka and enjoy the beauty of the waters of Koon Island.