Lengkuas Island

Historical Context and Construction

The Lengkuas Island Lighthouse was erected in 1882 by the Dutch East Indies colonial government under the leadership of King Willem III. Its construction was part of a strategic maritime infrastructure project to secure the trade routes for Dutch ships traversing the Karimata Strait. This strait was a vital route connecting the South China Sea with the Java Sea.

The construction of this lighthouse involved the contractor Chance Brothers & Co, a renowned glass and lighthouse manufacturer from Birmingham, England. The involvement of this international company underscores the importance of maritime safety standards at the time for the Dutch government. Despite being built in a remote area, the materials and technology used were the best of their era, making it one of the most modern structures in the Bangka Belitung Islands in the late 19th century.

Architectural Characteristics and Design

Architecturally, the Lengkuas Island Lighthouse adopts a functionalist colonial style with a strong neoclassical touch in its proportions. The building stands approximately 50 to 60 meters tall, making it the tallest structure in the region during its time.

The main structure is a cylinder that gradually tapers towards the top. This design principle was not solely for aesthetics but to provide aerodynamic stability against strong sea winds. The exterior surface of the building is painted a clean white, serving as a visual marker (daymark) for sailors during the day, contrasting with the blue of the sea and the green of the island's vegetation.

One of the most prominent design elements is the use of small windows that encircle the lighthouse body vertically. These windows function as natural ventilation to regulate humidity inside the tower and provide natural lighting for the spiral staircase within.

Structural and Material Innovations

The primary uniqueness of the Lengkuas Island Lighthouse lies in its construction materials. Unlike many colonial buildings on the mainland that used bricks or concrete, this lighthouse was built using cast iron panels joined with a system of bolts and rivets. The use of cast iron was an advanced innovation in the 19th century due to its resistance to seawater corrosion if properly maintained, as well as its ability to withstand lateral loads from strong winds.

Inside, there is a spiral iron staircase that is a marvel of engineering in itself. This staircase consists of hundreds of steps directly connected to the outer iron wall, creating a structure that is both rigid and flexible. At the very top is the lantern room, protected by thick glass and a sturdy iron frame, housing the main lamp.

The lighthouse lamp initially used an oil wick system, but with technological advancements, its system has been updated to electric. The presence of the original Fresnel lens, still well-maintained at its peak, is a testament to the optical excellence of the past, capable of projecting light for tens of nautical miles.

Cultural and Social Significance

For the people of Belitung, the Lengkuas Island Lighthouse is a regional identity. Its existence has been a silent witness to Belitung's transformation from a tin mining island to a global tourism destination. Socially, this lighthouse symbolizes resilience and guidance. In local culture, images of this lighthouse frequently appear in various artworks, Belitung batik motifs, and logos of local institutions.

This structure also fostered a unique social ecosystem. For decades, lighthouse keepers lived on this remote island in isolation, carrying out the noble duty of ensuring the safety of sailors. The lives of these keepers have become part of the local community's oral history about dedication and solitude amidst the sea.

Unique Elements and Landscape Integration

What distinguishes the Lengkuas Island Lighthouse from other lighthouses worldwide is its architectural integration with the surrounding natural landscape. The building is surrounded by artistic, giant granite rock formations, creating a contrast between the geometric man-made structure and the organic forms of nature.

The presence of supporting buildings at the base of the lighthouse, such as the keeper's house and logistics warehouse, maintains the Indische Empire architectural style. These buildings feature high roofs and wide verandas, designed to adapt to the hot and humid tropical climate.

Visitor Experience and Current Utilization

Currently, the Lengkuas Island Lighthouse is managed by the Class I Navigation District of Tanjung Priok through the Tanjung Pandan Port Management Unit (KUPP). Although its primary function remains as an active navigational aid, the lighthouse has become a major tourism icon in the Bangka Belitung Islands.

Visitors to the island are treated to a magnificent view of the white tower soaring amidst white sand and clear seawater. While access to the top of the tower is currently restricted for structural conservation and safety reasons, its exterior beauty remains an extraordinary photographic attraction. Walking around the lighthouse's foundation provides a perspective on the massive scale of this 19th-century iron construction.

Preservation efforts are continuously undertaken to protect the integrity of the iron structure from the threats of rust and aging. The Lengkuas Island Lighthouse is not just an old building; it is a monument to maritime history, a past civil engineering achievement, and a symbol of pride for the people of Belitung that continues to shine in the Karimata Strait. As an iconic structure, it teaches that good architecture is architecture that can withstand time, weather, and changing eras without losing its function.