Cikoneng Lighthouse

Cikoneng Lighthouse: Monumentality of Navigation Architecture at the Zero Point of Anyer

Cikoneng Lighthouse is more than just a ship guidance tower; it is a physical manifestation of Nusantara's maritime history and the resilience of colonial architecture standing tall on the coast of Serang, Banten. Strategically located in Anyer Village, this lighthouse serves as a dominant visual marker for the Sunda Strait, as well as a symbol of the beginning of the legendary De Grote Postweg (Post Road) that stretches all the way to Panarukan.

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Historical Context and Structural Evolution

The current Cikoneng Lighthouse is the second structure to stand at this location. The first tower was built in 1806 on the initiative of Governor-General Herman Willem Daendels. However, the devastating eruption of Mount Krakatau in 1883 triggered a giant tsunami that swept away the original building. All that remained of the original structure were the stone foundations, which are now historical artifacts around the base of the new tower.

The tower that stands strong today was built in 1885 by the Dutch East Indies Government under the leadership of King Willem III. A metal plaque above the main entrance still clearly states the dedication: "Onder de Regeering van Z.M. Willem III Koning der Nederlanden, enz. enz. enz. Opgericht voor vast licht 2de grootte. 1885". This reconstruction was not merely rebuilding, but a statement about the advancement of material technology at the end of the 19th century.

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Architectural Characteristics and Materiality

Architecturally, Cikoneng Lighthouse adopts a colonial functionalist style with an emphasis on structural resilience against the corrosive coastal environment. The tower stands approximately 75 meters tall, making it one of the tallest structures of its time.

Unlike many traditional lighthouses that use bricks or solid concrete, Cikoneng Lighthouse uses cast iron plates joined with a riveting system. The use of metal was a significant innovation at the time, allowing the structure to remain flexible yet strong against earthquake tremors and strong sea winds. The tower walls have a significant thickness at the bottom and taper towards the top, creating an elegant conical silhouette that is also aerodynamically stable.

The entire body of the tower is painted white, serving as a daytime visual marker (daymark) to be easily seen by sailors from a distance against the backdrop of Banten's green hills. The structure is divided into 18 functional floors connected by narrow but sturdy iron spiral staircases.

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Structural Innovations and Technical Details

One of the most interesting elements from an engineering perspective is its lighting system. At the top of the tower is a lantern room protected by thick glass and a metal frame. Initially, this lighthouse used an oil lamp with a Fresnel lens capable of refracting light for tens of nautical miles. Today, the system has been modernized with an electric-powered lamp, but its classic rotation and optical mechanisms have been retained as part of its architectural integrity.

Each floor is connected by a circular staircase attached to the interior walls. The interior of the tower is designed with small vents on each level to ensure air circulation and reduce air pressure inside the structure during storms. The details on the staircase railings and window frames show the industrial aesthetics of the 19th century, which prioritized precision and durability.

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Cultural and Social Significance

For the people of Serang and Banten in general, Cikoneng Lighthouse is a regional identity. It stands as a silent witness to Anyer's transformation from a traditional port to a colonial logistics center, and now to a major historical tourist destination. The presence of the "Zero Point" next to the lighthouse adds an extra symbolic dimension; it is here that the history of land mobilization in Java began.

Socially, this lighthouse serves as a reminder of the Krakatoa eruption tragedy as well as a symbol of hope and reconstruction. It represents how humans respond to the forces of nature with stronger and more planned architectural engineering. For sailors, the light from Cikoneng is a guide to safety that spans generations, maintaining ship traffic in one of the world's busiest straits.

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Spatial Experience and Visual Aesthetics

The visitor's experience upon approaching Cikoneng Lighthouse begins with an intimidating yet captivating monumental scale. From a distance, the tower appears like a white needle piercing the sky. When standing at its base, visitors can see the details of the iron plate joints that form a distinctive industrial texture.

Climbing to the top of the lighthouse offers an extraordinary spatial perspective. Each level of the stairs offers views through small windows that frame fragments of the Sunda Strait. Upon reaching the outer balcony on the top floor, visitors are treated to a 360-degree panorama encompassing the Anyer coastline, the expanse of the blue sea, and on a clear day, the silhouette of Mount Anak Krakatau on the horizon. The strong winds at altitude and the sound of the roaring sea create a meditative atmosphere that connects the architecture with its surrounding nature.

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Conservation and Current Function

Currently, Cikoneng Lighthouse is managed under the authority of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia. Its function as a navigational aid is still active and vital. Although the structure is over a century old, its physical condition is well-maintained thanks to regular maintenance, especially repainting to prevent corrosion of its metal components.

As a cultural heritage building, the main challenge in its preservation is balancing its operational navigation function with tourist accessibility. This lighthouse has become an economic magnet for local residents, driving the growth of the service and tourism sectors in its vicinity.

Cikoneng Lighthouse is a masterpiece of civil engineering and maritime architecture that has stood the test of time. It is not just an iron tower, but a monument that holds narratives of disaster, technological advancement, and the spirit of continuously illuminating Nusantara's shipping lanes. Its presence on the coast of Serang ensures that the great history that began at this zero point will never be forgotten by time.