Karimunjawa National Park, also known as Crimon Java National Park, is a marine national park located in the Karimun Java archipelago, Jepara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. It is situated 80 kilometers northwest of Jepara in the Java Sea. The park was officially established as a Marine Protection Area in 2001. According to a local legend, the archipelago was discovered by Sunan Nyamplungan, the nephew of Sunan Kudus, who was one of the Wali Sanga.

Karimun Java is a popular tourist destination known for its white sandy beaches, untouched coral reefs, difficult hikes through the hills, a pilgrimage to Sunan Nyamplungan Cemetery, and the cultural traditions of the Karimunjava community.

History

According to a local legend, the name "Karimun" means "not obvious," because during clear weather, Karimunjawa can be seen from the coast of mainland Java, but it remains difficult to see clearly. The island was originally settled by Sunan Nyamplungan, the son of Sunan Muria, one of the Muslim Saints (Sunan) who helped spread Islam to Java.

Karimunjawa is more famous than Bali, which was once a base for pirates for a long time. This has been the case for centuries. The island has been known by navigators worldwide as a safe place along trade routes through the Java Sea to Borneo or the Spice Islands. It appears under different names, such as Tortuga, Chirimao, and Carimon Jawa, on many old maps and portulans from the area.

Historical records mention that the archipelago was discovered by a Chinese army sent by Emperor Kubhilai Khan in 1293 (they called it CHI-LI-MEN). Later, Ottoman Turkish navigators visited in 1403, followed by Portuguese, Dutch, French (including Bouguinville), and English explorers. Recent archaeological research has uncovered porcelain items from the Ming dynasty.

Many sailors continue the tradition of stopping at Karimunjawa on their journeys from Australia to Thailand or the China Sea, and back.

Geography

The Crimon Java archipelago is located between 5°49’ – 5°57’ South Latitude and 110°04' – 110°40' East Longitude in the Java Sea, north of the island of Java. It is approximately 120 kilometers from Semarang, the capital of Central Java Province, and about 80 kilometers from Jepara, the nearest town. The archipelago includes 27 islands and is part of the Karimunjawa subdistrict, which is divided into three villages: Karimunjawa, Kemujan, and Parang. The area is administered by Jepara Regency in Central Java Province.

The geology of the archipelago is mainly made up of quartz sandstone, gravel, mud, and clay. The topography of Karimunjawa Marine National Park consists of low-lying land with elevations ranging from 0 to 506 meters above sea level. Gajah Hill is the highest point in the park. Average temperatures in the region range from 30 to 31 degrees Celsius.

The largest island in the archipelago is Karimunjawa Island. Villages and towns are located on Karimunjawa, Kemujan, Nyamuk, Parang, and Genting Islands. The remaining islands in the group are uninhabited.

Ecosystem

The Karimunjawa archipelago is known for its rich marine life, untouched forests, and unique natural features. During the Dutch colonial period, scientists like Teijsmann (1854), Koorders (1886), Schlechter (1910), and Dammerman (1926) studied the area’s plants and ecosystems.

The archipelago has five main ecosystems: coral reefs, seagrass and seaweed beds, mangrove forests, coastal forests, and lowland tropical rainforests. Freshwater sources are limited to small wells and streams in the islands.

Karimunjawa’s coral reefs include fringing reefs (those near the shore), barrier reefs, and patch reefs (small, isolated reefs). These reefs support a wide variety of life, including 51 genera of coral with over 90 species, 242 types of ornamental fish, and protected species like black coral (Antiphates sp.) and organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica). Other protected marine life includes the hornet helmet (Cassis cornuta), triton trumpet (Charonia tritonis), chambered nautilus, green shell (Turbo marmoratus), and six species of clam. Near Kemujan Island, the wreck of the Panamanian ship Indono, which sank in 1955, now serves as a habitat for coral fish and is a popular diving site.

Seagrass in the area is mainly composed of 10 genera, with Enhalus and Thalassia being the most common. Seaweed is divided into three groups: green algae (Chlorophyta, including Coulerpa and Halimeda), brown algae (Phaeophyta, such as Padina, Sargassum, and Turbinaria), and red algae (Rhodophyta, including Eucheuma, Gracilaria, Gelidium, Hypnea, and Acanthopora).

A 300-hectare mangrove forest within the national park is home to 13 genera and 32 species of mangroves, such as Rhizophora mucronata.

The lowland tropical rainforest covers 1,285.50 hectares and hosts several endemic species, including the dewadaru tree (Fagraea elliptica), setigi (Pemphis acidula), and kalimasada (Cordia subcordata). Local people use these trees to make souvenirs like tasbih, kris, and staffs. Some believe the wood of the dewadaru tree has special powers, such as healing diseases, protecting homes from thieves, or extending life. However, these tree populations have declined due to overharvesting.

The islands are home to about 40 bird species, including the green imperial-pigeon (Ducula aenea), yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), and red-breasted parakeet (Psittacula alexandri). Migratory birds like the common sandpiper and whimbrel also visit. The lowland rainforest is the natural habitat of the rare white-bellied sea eagle. Recent studies by the Indonesian Science Institute identified two endemic butterfly species: Euploea crameri karimodjawensis and Idea leuconoe karimodjawensis.

While the number of land animals in the park is lower than that of aquatic animals, species like the Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis), Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), and Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) can still be found.

Several turtle species, such as the hawksbill turtle and green turtle, lay their eggs on the islands.

Conservation

Karimunjawa Marine National Park is one of six marine national parks in Indonesia. It was among the first areas recognized for protecting marine life and biodiversity. In 1986, it was officially named a Strict Natural Reserve. Later, it became a top priority for conserving marine biodiversity in Southeast Asia. In 1999, the Ministry of Forestry created Karimunjawa Marine National Park, covering 111,625 hectares. In 2001, 110,117.30 hectares was designated as a Marine Protection Area (MPA).

The park is divided into four zones based on its functions:

• Sanctuary Zone (1,299 hectares): This area includes Burung and Geleang Islands. No fishing or hunting is allowed, but research and education are permitted.
• Wilderness Zone (7,801 hectares): Research is allowed, and tourist activity is limited. It includes Krakal Besar, Krakal Kecil, Menyawakan, Cemara Besar, Cemara Kecil, Bengkoang, and parts of Karimunjawa and Kemujan islands.
• Utilization Zone (4,431 hectares): This area includes Menjangan Besar, Menjangan Kecil, Kembang, Kembar, Karang Katang, Karang Kapal, Parang, Karimunjawa, and Kemujan.
• Buffer Zone (98,093.5 hectares): This area includes Karimunjawa, Kemujan, Parang, and Nyamuk. These islands are home to people.

Because of changes in management and recent damage to the area, the current zones are not working well. A new zone management plan was started in 2002 and is still being developed.

People

The population of Karimunjawa District is 8,842, and most people work as fishermen. The community includes several ethnic groups, such as Javanese, Madurese, Bugis, Mandar, Bajak, and Luwu. Javanese people are known for farming and making household tools. Bugis people are known for their skills in sailing and fishing. Madurese people are known for producing salted fish. These groups live together in harmony and have developed new traditions and ways of living.

Culture and legends

The legend of Karimunjava is connected to the story of Sunan Nyamplungan. Sunan Nyamplungan was born as Amir Hasan, the son of Sunan Muria, who was one of the Wali Sanga. His mother spoiled him, and he was a disobedient child. His father, Sunan Muria, sent him to live with his uncle, Sunan Kudus. After Sunan Kudus raised him, Amir Hasan became obedient. When he returned to his parents, he became disobedient again. Sunan Muria was angry and decided to teach him a lesson. He told his son he could never return to Java again.

Not wanting to disobey his father, Amir Hasan prepared for his journey. He left Mount Muria, where he had lived, and traveled by boat to the north. He sailed for many days through rough seas and high waves, unsure of where he was going or if he would survive. One day, his boat reached the shore of a small, uninhabited island. At the same time, Sunan Muria watched his son from Mount Muria but could not see clearly where he had gone. In old Javanese, "vague" is "kerimun," so the island became known as "Karimun-java."

Amir Hasan continued inland, carrying two wooden staffs as walking sticks. He found these on the shore after his boat was pushed ashore by strong waves. While resting in the forest, he placed the staffs in the ground, and they suddenly grew into large trees. He was amazed and named them "Dewadaru" (also called Nyamplung trees). Today, the village of Nyamplungan is where he rested.

In another version of the story, Amir Hasan was accompanied by two guards and two Nyamplung seeds during his journey. He also carried a mustaka (a part of a mosque’s top), which is now kept near Sunan Nyamplungan’s grave. The place where he lived had many Nyamplung trees. The Dewadaru or Nyamplung tree is still considered sacred in the Karimunjawa archipelago.

There are many stories about the magical Dewadaru tree or its wood. To local people, these stories are not beliefs but knowledge they have learned through experience. Because the tree is sacred, it is used only for spiritual and protective purposes. Villagers rarely use its wood for furniture or buildings. Only those who are brave use it in spiritual activities. Today, Dewadaru trees are rare, so they are protected carefully. The tree is valued for its cultural and traditional importance and is seen as a guardian of the island.

Because the Dewadaru is believed to have special powers, some outsiders try to take its wood to misuse its power. However, it is said that Sunan Nyamplungan or his representative protects the island from thieves. Some people claim that a giant bat appears to those who have harmful intentions.

In 1992, the biology department of the University of Gajah Mada studied the Dewadaru tree. Their report said the tree is rare and hard to grow. Two species of Dewadaru are found in Karimunjava: Baccaurea sumatrana from the Euphorbiaceae family and Fagraea elliptica from the Loganiaceae family.

The Dewadaru tree is only found in the Karimunjava islands. However, there is one known Dewadaru tree in Java, near Mount Kawi in Malang, East Java. People there treat the leaves of the tree with respect, not the wood.

Tourism

There are regular ferries and fast boats that travel between Jepara and Karimunjawa Island.

Menjangan Kecil, Menjangan Besar, Tanjung Gelam, Legon Lele, Genting, Kembar, Parang, Cemara, and Krakal Islands are popular places for activities like sailing, surfing, swimming, and diving. These islands also have white sand beaches, camping areas, cultural visits, and opportunities for bird watching. The Bengkoang and Kemujan Islands are known for camping and diving near the wreck of the Panamanian ship Indono. The hills of Bukit Bendera, Bukit Gajah, and Legon Goprak are used for tracking and marine tours.

Karimunjawa has many hotels, hostels, homestays, and guesthouses. There is one boutique resort near the village and a luxury resort located on its own island.