Pajenekang Island

Pajenekang Island

Pajenekang Island
Geography
Coordinates	04°58′09″S119°19′40″E / 4.96917°S 119.32778°E / -4.96917; 119.32778
Area	0.04 km2 (0.015 sq mi)
Administration
Indonesia
Demographics
Population	2700
Pop. density	67,500/km2 (174800/sq mi)

Pajenekang locally referred to as Pulau Pajenekang, ^[1] is a small inhabited island located within the Spermonde Archipelago, off the western coast of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. ^{[2] [3]} Nestled in the Makassar Strait, it falls under the administrative jurisdiction of Mattiro Deceng village, within the Liukang Tupabbiring subdistrict, part of the Pangkajene dan Kepulauan regency. The island is one of many coral islets that shape the marine landscape of southern Sulawesi, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and the presence of traditional fishing communities.

Covering an area of approximately 56,479 square meters (5.6 hectares) and rising just 6 meters above sea level, Pajenekang is classified as a coastal islet. Its geographic coordinates are 4°58′8″ south latitude and 119°19′41″ east longitude. Surrounded by shallow waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, the island offers ideal conditions for artisanal fishing, seaweed farming, and marine ecotourism. Its proximity to neighboring islands facilitates inter-island trade and community mobility, reinforcing its role as a hub of local maritime activity.

Since 2015, Pajenekang has been designated as part of the Regional Marine Conservation Area (Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Daerah) of the Pangkajene dan Kepulauan district, as formalized by Bupati Resolution No. 290. This legal framework aims to safeguard marine ecosystems, promote sustainable fishing practices, and preserve coastal biodiversity. The island’s inclusion in this conservation zone reflects the local government's commitment to balancing economic development with environmental stewardship, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change and resource depletion.

Despite its modest size, Pajenekang is home to a resilient community with deep ties to the sea. Cultural traditions such as the Tammu Taung festival embody an insular worldview rooted in natural cycles and ancestral memory. These celebrations, shared across various islands in the Spermonde Archipelago, strengthen collective identity and foster social cohesion. Thus, Pajenekang is not merely a geographic entity but also a cultural nucleus that illustrates the adaptability and enduring spirit of Indonesia’s coastal populations.

See also

• List of islands of Indonesia
• List of islands by population density
• Santa Cruz del Islote

References

1. Nurdin, Nurjannah. Informasi Geospasial Gugusan Pulau Kecil Kepulauan Spermonde: Dinamika Ekosistem Perairan Dangkal dalam 44 Tahun (in Indonesian). Penerbit Andi. ISBN   978-623-01-0755-9.
2. Nurdin, Nurjannah. Penginderaan Jauh dan Aplikasinya Pada Ekosistem Pesisir Pulau-Pulau (in Indonesian). Penerbit Andi. ISBN   978-979-29-6582-7.
3. Gunawan, Cipto Aji; Upa, Yamin Pua; Basri, Erlan (2011). Gugusan Pulau Kapoposang, Kabupaten Pangkajene dan Kepulauan, Sulawesi Selatan: surga kecil di pusat coral triangle (in Indonesian). Program Rehabilitasi dan Pengelolaan Terumbu Karang (COREMAP II), Direktorat Jenderal Kelautan, Pesisir dan Pulau-Pulau Kecil, Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan RI.