A Japanese-Era Fort on the Coast of Kuthang

Pidie Jaya is one of the new provinces experiencing rapid development. The region boasts a long coastline as well as mountainous areas. Life here is quite comfortable, and residents can easily find work. The local community is quite enthusiastic about the region’s rapid progress. Following the 2004 tsunami and the devastating 2016 earthquake, the area was hit by a flash flood in 2025 that submerged many homes. Although full recovery hasn’t been achieved yet, the community has gradually begun to rebuild six months after the disaster. Tourism in this area remains quite active. Both local and out-of-town tourists are eager to visit.

Actually, this is a place I haven’t visited in years since my family and I moved to a different city. However, during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, my husband and I made a point to visit my grandmother’s old house. We stayed overnight so we could take the time to visit one of the quite popular beach attractions there. Kuthang Beach is the name of this beach, located right in the village of Peurade, Tringgadeng subdistrict, Pidie Jaya regency.

Not far from the highway, just past the town of Trienggadeng right on the side of the road, you’ll find a large gate leading to this beach. The entrance fee is quite affordable—parking for one car costs only IDR 5,000, a fantastic price that really surprised my husband and me.

Once we arrived, I chose a spot to sit at a traditional open-air hut; as it happened, I had brought along my older sister’s children. We ordered some simple food and enjoyed it at a leisurely pace.

The sea breeze was very strong, yet the heat was intense, even though it was already getting late in the afternoon. However, the weather that day was indeed so sunny. Without much delay after eating, I suddenly remembered one thing: this beach actually holds an extraordinary piece of history. Specifically, there is a bunker—a remnant of the Japanese military from the past.

I went straight there to take a closer look. The bunker had become one with nature, its structure embedded in the sand as if it were telling the story of the military from that era. Eroded by time, yet the bunker remained sturdy, with its structure almost entirely intact.

Every part of the bunker is still very neat, and look—the interior is also still in excellent condition. This is one of the bunkers I saw; there are about eight of them here. Some of the others are still in great shape—not tilted—and their interiors haven’t been buried yet. Unfortunately, they’re a bit far away, and it was pretty crowded there that afternoon.

We took some photos there; my older sister and her child are used to coming here. Usually, in the morning after dawn, when the sun rises, they come here to bathe.

The atmosphere is very peaceful; the fortress lined up along the shoreline make us feel a bit nostalgic. Military defenses were heavily guarded back then; apparently, there are eight bunkers remaining, as I mentioned earlier, and they’re still visible and sturdy. However, some are no longer visible at all.

Actually, this beach wasn’t originally a tourist spot, but over time—especially after the 2016 earthquake—it was opened to the public. Managed by the local government with remarkable improvements, major city events are usually held here. Now everything is much better; the beach is very active, and the local economy has been greatly boosted.

In my opinion, this beach is well worth being designated as a historical tourist destination. Many people in the surrounding area—and perhaps in other cities, like my husband—are unaware of the history behind the construction of the many Japanese military defense forts here. I believe the management of this area should be publicized in the media so that both local and out-of-town tourists can learn its history and understand that there are tourist sites whose origins deserve to be known. This way, the community can enjoy tourism while gaining knowledge about history.

Well, for those of you who might be curious and want to visit this tourist spot, come on over—I’m sure these rows of forts will draw you in and make you want to learn more about this place.

About The Author

_{A woman, firm and stubborn who is called "Nurul", born in July 1993, comes from Indonesia, Aceh province. My daily activity is work.}

_{Besides working, I have several hobbies, namely reading, writing, cooking, gardening, making crafts, and traveling. From this hobby of mine, I will develop some inspiring content for all of you. I am also very happy to discuss positive new things with all of you.}