Survey Resources Small islands
Larat Island is one of 92 frontline islands of the archipelago. In this island, there are basic points that determine the boundaries of Indonesia in Australia's territorial sea. This small island is administratively mainland of North Tanimbar District, West Southeast Maluku District (MTB).
To reach Larat can only be reached by sea, both from Capital MTB, Saumlaki, as well as the pioneer ship from Surabaya. If the Saumlaki, there are two motor boats with a capacity of 20 and 50 passengers. Travel time between Saumlaki-Larat about 4-5 hours, depending on the weather in coastal marine Yamdena, which is open sea regions.
What about the air lines? Actually, there is one airport in Larat sized almost as big as the airport Olilit, in Saumlaki. However, unfortunately none of the flight that stopped in Larat. As spoken by the North Tanimbar Camat, JJ Keiwulan, there used to Larat Merpati flight. However, after such a long flight does not exist anymore.
Although only accessible by sea, Keiwulan considers its territory rather than isolated areas. In every village has the potential of its natural resources, especially, and can be accessed either by land or sea.
But do not imagine if you can communicate through cell phones seleluasa on Java. The use of cell phones can only be done around the Office District. IBHS is only one mobile telephone service providers are able to penetrate the communication impasse in Larat. Nevertheless, even some Wartel tedapat, which connects citizens Larat with other areas of Indonesia.
The main commodities in Larat now is seaweed. Seaweed is a prima donna on the island that resembles a boomerang (Australian indigenous communities' traditional weapons). In every house in every village in Larat, many found their seaweed harvest. Even for berbudidaya seaweed they would not hesitate to put it on all cruise lines Saumlaki-Larat. So you can imagine how the boats motor into Larat Strait should be careful not to get caught underneath the strings of which there are sea grass.
Seaweed was introduced by the Government of MTB for about two years ago, slowly shifted copra. Seaweed is very promising for Larat society, because it can be harvested every month, and the price is tempting when compared to copra. Price seaweed in Larat per kilo USD 9000, -
Larat is one of the small islands in Maluku beautiful. This island is the result of coral formations, so that seems flat with a topography that is not too bumpy.
Enough to explain the origin of the name, if Larat views of the ocean seems like a stretch of flat land that emits light. Larat Larit derived from the word which means light. Not only light in the truest sense, but also the light of life for people in Tanimbar.
by : Agung C.
