Jepara Regency Government Revives Portuguese Fort Tourism

JEPARA – The Jepara Regency Government is reviving the past glory of the Portuguese Fort. Thousands of students and teachers from various levels participated in an educational tourism roll call at Donorojo Subdistrict on Friday (8/5/2026).

Their presence was part of the educational tourism introduction event, a strategic step to restore the glory of this historic destination. The event was led directly by Jepara Deputy Regent Muhammad Ibnu Hajar, accompanied by Head of the Jepara Tourism and Culture Agency (Disparbud), Ali Hidayat.

The series of activities began with a morning exercise together, a beach clean-up action, and a historical tour around the remains of the old fort. Head of Jepara Disparbud, Ali Hidayat, emphasized that this educational tourism roll call is a turning point for the Portuguese Fort. Before the pandemic, this location was a top tourist attraction in Jepara that was never short of visitors.

“We want to bring back that golden era. The Portuguese Fort has now been upgraded with more complete facilities than before,” said Ali.

Visitors are now not only offered historical value but also various supporting facilities such as simple outbound areas and camping grounds, making it suitable for school and community activities. There is also a swimming pool for family recreation, as well as lodging that can be used by out-of-town visitors.

In addition, there are religious tourism options, such as pilgrimages to the tomb of Mbah Leseh, and ferry access to Mandalika Island to visit the tombs of Sayid Usman and Patak Warak. As a form of promotion and appreciation, the management provided free entry tickets specifically for the day of the educational tourism roll call.

Jepara Deputy Regent Muhammad Ibnu Hajar shared his memories from his school days when the Portuguese Fort was a must-visit destination for Jepara residents. He hopes this educational tourism movement can revive the local economy and tourism sector, which had dimmed after the pandemic.

“In the past, this place was always crowded. I want the current generation to experience the same thing, but with a stronger educational value,” Hajar said. 

In line with that, Sifra Octo Charis, a student from SMA N 1 Donorojo, expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the activity. According to her, the educational tourism concept makes learning history much more enjoyable.

“I’m really happy to join. Besides traveling, this activity fosters our love and sense of ownership toward the nation’s cultural heritage,” said Sifra.