Tourism Ministry strives to preserve Raja Ampat's Global Geopark status

The Tourism Ministry plans to install 136 mooring buoys across the Raja Ampat region of Southwest Papua Province as an effort to protect its United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark status.

"This is to safeguard the economic system of the coral reefs there, as many boats currently sail there for diving, but their anchors are scattered everywhere," said Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana after attending the 2026 National Tourism Coordination Meeting in Jakarta on May 20, 2026.

Widiyanti explained that several issues need to be addressed in collaboration with ministries, government agencies, regional governments, and local industries based on a previous inspection of Raja Ampat. One of them is the carrying capacity of destinations in Raja Ampat's waters. She explained that many activities in the waters of Raja Ampat involve diving experiences and the presence of ships sailing there.

Another finding is the increasing attention given to the issue of waste in Raja Ampat. The government, she said, is currently working to prevent ships that stop at the destination from dumping waste at sea. Widiyanti suggested that managers and local governments install nets in river areas to prevent waste from entering the land.

"That requires extraordinary effort and will certainly involve operational costs. So, a joint strategy is needed, because waste is a national issue now. So, we are collecting data, and hopefully, in the future, we can develop tourism in Raja Ampat responsibly," she said.

Previously, Widiyanti emphasized on May 12, 2026, that UNESCO Global Geopark status is not merely international recognition, but a long-term commitment to maintaining the sustainability of the area. A UNESCO assessor team will reportedly visit Indonesia in August 2026 to revalidate Raja Ampat's geopark status. This process is crucial for Indonesian tourist destinations to maintain their status.

Therefore, synergy between environmental protection, strengthening governance, and empowering local communities is crucial for sustainably enjoying the benefits of tourism. She also urged all stakeholders to have a sense of responsibility and shared ownership in maintaining the sustainability of Raja Ampat as a world-class destination.

"Our shared responsibility for Raja Ampat is to ensure this beauty remains vibrant, sustainable, and provides benefits for current and future generations," she said.