Hargo.co.id, GORONTALO – Pantai Ratu (Queen’s Beach) was once a prime tourist destination in the Gorontalo Province. Since its establishment, this tourist spot located in the village of Tenilo, Tilamuta District, Boalemo Regency, has always been bustling, especially during weekends.
However, in the year 2019, Pantai Ratu was closed due to the existence of a protected forest in the area. Additionally, in the same year, the Covid-19 pandemic began to spread throughout Indonesia, including Gorontalo.
Salimah (53), a resident living around the area, stated that since the pandemic struck, Pantai Ratu is no longer a destination for tourists.
“Since the arrival of Covid, there have been no visitors. But before that, this place used to be crowded; I also used to sell things there,” she said in an interview on Sunday (10/12/2023).
From the observations of the media team, the road leading to Pantai Ratu is quite damaged and difficult for vehicles to navigate. The road resembles more of a narrow path. This is believed to be one of the factors contributing to the lack of visitors, even though the pandemic has ended.
The current condition of the Pantai Ratu tourist destination appears abandoned. The restaurants in the area are no longer operational, and the gazebo built about 5 meters towards the sea is damaged. The wood appears decayed, and the paint has faded due to neglect.
Not only that, but grass and bushes are increasingly growing around the coastal area, giving the beach a spooky impression. If anyone visits the beach, they are local residents who merely rest after tiring themselves out in their gardens.
“Pantai Ratu was indeed beautiful, especially when it was first opened. The view was stunning. But now it’s abandoned, and no one takes care of it anymore. In the past, the hut there was managed by the Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), but since there are no more visitors, it stopped operating,” she concluded.(*)
Author: Ayu Agrini As. Antung/Intern Student at UNG
