Coffee, Granite, and Coastal Dreams: The New Face of Belitung

TheIndonesia.co - In a move to further enrich its tourism appeal, the East Belitung Regency Government is undertaking a significant renovation of the “1001 Coffee Shops Monument,” a landmark nestled in the heart of Manggar, a town famed for its rich coffee culture and coastal charm.

“We are renovating the monument and equipping it with supporting facilities to enhance the city’s character and make it a standout tourism icon,” said East Belitung Regent Kamarudin Muten, according to Antara News Agency.

Set to begin in June 2025, the renovation is part of a broader initiative to diversify local attractions and welcome more visitors to the island.

The monument, currently located at a central roundabout, has long been emblematic of Manggar's deep-rooted love for coffee — a place where people gather, converse, and linger over a cup. However, until now, it has lacked proper public access for photo opportunities.

The planned improvements include safer pedestrian areas, public seating, and landscaped gardens, transforming it into a welcoming plaza where residents and tourists alike can relax and take photos in comfort.

“This will be a free, public space where people can enjoy the monument without worrying about traffic. It's not just a renovation — it's a gift to the community and to our visitors,” said Kamarudin.

Idwan Fikri, head of the local department overseeing the project, explained that the redesign will elevate the monument on a raised platform surrounded by terraced gardens. While the initial design called for a 14-meter diameter, it was adjusted to nine meters to ensure road safety while maintaining aesthetic impact. 

Yet, the monument is only one piece of the larger Belitung experience.

For international travelers, reaching this Indonesian gem is easier than ever. Most fly into Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the country’s main international hub, then take a short domestic flight — about an hour — to H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport in Tanjung Pandan, Belitung. Daily flights are available from major Indonesian cities, and with improved regional connectivity, the island is becoming more accessible to visitors from Southeast Asia and beyond.

What awaits is a destination unlike any other. Belitung is home to one of Southeast Asia’s most unique seascapes: beaches fringed by giant granite boulders that soar dramatically from the white sands, some as tall as small buildings. These formations, shaped over millions of years, give Belitung’s coastline a dreamlike, almost mythical quality.

Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang are just two of the many beaches where nature’s artistry is on full display. Here, crystal-clear waters gently lap against the massive rocks, creating secluded coves perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the silence.

With its new monument poised to become a central feature of Manggar and the island’s untouched natural beauty, Belitung offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and stunning coastal landscapes. As East Belitung reinvents its landmarks, it invites the world to rediscover its soul — one cup of coffee and one breathtaking view at a time.