In fact, the zero kilometer point is not only in Sabang, Aceh Province. There are many "Zero Kilometer Points" scattered in various parts of Indonesia. Interestingly, almost every area which has a "Zero Point Monument" has its own tourist attractions.

The zero kilometer point is always marked by a monument or a small pal (stone bollard as a distance marker). Its presence in several regions of Indonesia often serves as a standard for measuring distances within cities and countries, and as a reference point for area development.

If Sobat Parekraf want to feel a different kind of vacation experience, you can visit several tourist attractions around Indonesia’s zero kilometer point: 

Nusantara’s Zero Kilometer Point

One of the newest zero kilometer points is located in the Nusantara capital city (IKN). In 2022, the government inaugurated a 50 cm high monument as a marker of the zero kilometer point. This zero point is located in Samboja District and Sepaku District, Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan.

As an infrastructure benchmark for the development of Indonesia's new capital, the zero kilometer monument in Nusantara has begun to be visited by tourists who are curious about the development of IKN. In addition to visiting the Zero Kilometer Monument in the Nusantara, Sobat Parekraf can also enjoy the fresh air and adrenaline at Bengkirai Hill, Kutai Kartanegara.

If you want to directly witness the preserved Dayak culture, Sobat Parekraf can come to Pampang Village in Samarinda City, or near the APT Pranoto Airport. There is a Betang traditional house that serves as the home of the Apokayan Dayak tribe.

Photo: Zero Kilometer Point Monumen in Sabang (Shutterstock/Riqial)

Sabang’s Zero Kilometer Point

Sabang's zero kilometer point is often referred to as the geographical marker for the westernmost point of Indonesia. It is located in Iboih Ujong Ba’u Village, Sukakarya Sub-district, Sabang City. There is a monument marking the zero point, which stands on a cliff facing the Indian Ocean.

Visiting the zero kilometer point of Sabang is incomplete without diving into the underwater beauty in Sabang. Beautiful coral reefs can be seen directly in several dive spots in Sabang. There are around 20 dive spots in Sabang, such as West Seulako, Arus Balee, Rubiah Jetty, and Sophie Rickmers.

With its mesmerizing marine beauty, it is no wonder that Sabang hosts various water sports tourism activities, including Sabang Freediving and Sabang Marine Festival. Such an interesting tourist attraction, right?

Merauke’s Zero Kilometer Point

Located at the eastern tip of Indonesia, Marauke’s zero kilometer point is adjacent to Indonesia’s border with Papua New Guinea. At this zero kilometer point, you will find a large monument that reads “0 Km Merauke-Sabang”.

If you are on vacation in Merauke, you must take the time to visit the Time Capsule Monument which was recently inaugurated by President Joko Widodo. This monument is located at the Square, Klp. Lima, Merauke. This monument contains the dreams of Indonesian children from Sabang to Merauke. This dream was written in 2015 and will be opened in 2085.

Interestingly, Sobat Parekraf can also see kangaroos in Wasur National Park, which is located in Sota Sub-district, Merauke. The coolest thing is that the National Park area is also inhabited by four indigenous tribes, namely the Kanume Tribe, Yeoman Tribe, Maori Menge Tribe, and Marind Tribe.

Yogyakarta’s Zero Kilometer Point

Frequently visited by local and foreign tourists, Yogyakarta’s zero kilometer point is located in the center of Yogyakarta. The location of Yogyakarta’s zero kilometer monument is surrounded by historical buildings that we can visit during vacation. Starting from the Indonesian Post Office, Gedung Agung, March 1st Attack Monument, Vredeburg Fort, and Malioboro Street.

If Sobat Parekraf want to find typical Yogyakarta souvenirs, you can visit Malioboro Terrace, which is not far from the zero point. There are many ekraf products that can be used as souvenirs, such as bracelets, silver handicrafts, rings, bakpia, and traditional herbs. 

So, those are some of the tourist attractions around the Indonesian zero kilometer monument. Have you visited any of those attractions?

Cover: Zero kilometer points in the Nusantara capital city (IKN) (Shutterstock/Satwika Satria Parahita)