PATADaily.id - Jakarta - When conversations turn to Indonesia’s tourism development, the spotlight often falls on the country’s 10 Priority Tourism Destinations from Lake Toba to Labuan Bajo. While these destinations play an important role in driving visitor numbers, they represent only a fraction of Indonesia’s rich cultural and historical landscape.

Beyond the mainstream routes lies Penyengat Island, a small yet profoundly significant heritage island located off the coast of Bintan, Riau Islands. Despite its immense historical and cultural value, Penyengat remains largely absent from national and international tourism narratives—making it one of Indonesia’s most compelling hidden heritage gems.

A Living Archive of Malay Civilization
Penyengat Island is not merely a destination; it is a living archive of Malay civilization. Once the center of the Riau–Lingga Sultanate, the island played a crucial role in shaping Malay political thought, culture, and governance in the 18th and 19th centuries.  More importantly, Penyengat is widely recognized as the birthplace of modern Malay literature. It was here that Raja Ali Haji, a national hero of Indonesia, authored Gurindam Dua Belas—a philosophical literary masterpiece that continues to influence moral and cultural education across the Malay world today. His linguistic works also laid the foundation for Bahasa Indonesia, the national language that unites more than 270 million people.
Heritage That Speaks Softly, Yet Deeply
Walking through Penyengat Island is an intimate experience. The island is home to historic mosques, royal tombs, fort ruins, and traditional Malay houses, all set within a peaceful coastal environment. 

The iconic Sultan Riau Grand Mosque, built with a unique mixture of egg whites, lime, and sand, stands as a symbol of ingenuity, faith, and resilience.  Unlike mass tourism destinations, Penyengat offers quiet authenticity—a space for reflection, learning, and meaningful cultural engagement. This is heritage that does not shout, but speaks softly and deeply to those who take the time to listen.

Why Penyengat Matters in Today’s Tourism Discourse
In an era where sustainable and responsible tourism is increasingly emphasized, Penyengat Island presents a strong case for heritage-led destination development. It aligns naturally with values such as:
1) Cultural preservation
2) Community-based tourism
3) Educational and experiential travel
4) Low-impact, high-value visitation.

Its exclusion from the list of priority destinations should not be seen as a weakness, but rather as an opportunity—to rethink how Indonesia identifies, nurtures, and promotes destinations beyond visitor numbers alone.

"Repositioning Hidden Heritage on the Global Stage, Penyengat Island deserves a place in broader conversations about Indonesia’s tourism future—not as a competitor to priority destinations, but as a complement that enriches the nation’s narrative. By elevating hidden heritage destinations like Penyengat, Indonesia can showcase a more balanced tourism portfolio—one that celebrates depth, identity, and legacy alongside natural beauty," based on press release, Monday (2026/1/5).

As global travelers increasingly seek meaningful journeys, destinations like Penyengat Island remind us that sometimes the most powerful stories are found not in the spotlight, but just beyond it. (Gabriel Bobby)