Christmas Island, A Haven in The Indian Ocean

by Hilya Safa · October 11, 2017

Christmas Island City Photo

Christmas Island is probably a foreign name for the people of Indonesia. Of the 17 thousand so many islands in the archipelago, there is not an island called Christmas. Indeed, Christmas Island itself is not owned by Indonesia, but Australia. Although if calculated from a distance, Christmas Island is like a neighbor next door to Indonesia than the Aussie.

Christmas Island is indeed inviting controversy, especially about who is more appropriate to have it. Viewed from the distance, indeed the island of Christmas is much closer to Indonesia. Even if from Jakarta, maybe only 500 kilometers distance. When it comes to history, the island of Christmas has also been explored by Malay people first. However, over time, eventually the island was embraced by the kangaroo country. Still about Christmas Island, here are the important things about that place that you should know.

More worthy to be part of Indonesia

If we look from the map, we must think that Christmas Island is owned by Indonesia. How not, the distance itself is so close to Indonesia. The term is just like a single step from the island of Java. However, in fact, this island is owned by Australia is located very far away.

When viewed from a distance, Christmas Island is only about 500 kilometers from Jakarta. Meanwhile, if from Australia is about 2,600 kilometers. Then why could the island of Christmas be owned by Australians, it is because they make a claim first. Actually, Indonesia can protest when viewing this geographical position. Unfortunately, the Indonesian government did not take such a step.

Why Christmas Island So Belongs To Australia?

The island of Christmas was originally not a place that is really known. Until finally a British sailor found it. Later then the island is also claimed to belong to the British royal government. Over time the ownership of the island alternated between England, the Netherlands, and Japan.

Until finally, when Japan lost in World War II, they also handed the island to England. Then somehow the story, England bequeathed this island to Australia. So until today the beautiful island is included in the territory of the kangaroo country. Indonesia can make actual claims, but may not have gained momentum that really fits when the movement of ownership of the island.

Christmas Island is a Malay Settlement

Christmas Island is often overlooked by the world’s voyager, but who would have thought if this one island is very familiar with the people of Indonesia. In ancient times, many Malays who stopped by this island. Including the Bugis, Makassar. Trade is the reason why Indonesians stop by on the island.

As proof that Christmas Island ever visited by Indonesian people, please come there directly and you will meet the Malays. Yes, in shipping activities on this Island, some Indonesians decide to stay. So, it can be said that the Malay people there are the descendants of Indonesia. From this historical record, we can see if Indonesia is more appropriate to have Christmas Island.

Christmas Island Is Heaven

As already mentioned in the previous section, this Christmas island is one of the best recreation spots. Can not be denied when viewed from its location, this one island clearly offers something extraordinary. Especially the beautiful beaches with direct view of the Indian Ocean. The Australian side itself is claimed to get a lot of benefits from the island’s tourism sector.

Not only has the beauty, this island also contains a lot of my wealth. Since the first, this Christmas Island is known as a producer of phosphate is quite famous. In fact, until ever brought in workers from China to dig the mine. Not just phosphate, this Christmas island also has a tremendous marine wealth. Rumors say that this place can produce fish in very large quantities, including the potential of crabs as much as 30 million kilograms.

Here are some photos about Christmas Island: