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In anticipation of the various benefits and impacts from the development of the tourism sector, the Raja Ampat Regency Government and its partners, including Conservation International's Konservasi Indonesia, the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, and the Southwest Papua Provincial Government, launched an electronic book (e-book) titled "Travelling Etiquette in Raja Ampat".
The e-book's launch was carried out by the Acting Raja Ampat Regent Anhar Akib; Southwest Papua Province Youth, Sports, Tourism, and Creative Economy Office Head Yusdi Lamatenggo, and Konservasi Indonesia representatives.
The launch was marked by the opening of a curtain over the e-book's cover, which occured on the sidelines of the Charm of Raja Ampat Festival 2024 at the Waisai Torang Cinta (WTC) Beach in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua on Oct. 16, 2024.
The e-book's release is a result of the Raja Ampat Regency Government's commitment and consistency in collaborating for the preservation of natural resources. It contains rules of conduct regarding various activities in the famous tourist destination, and it is intended to be used as a guide for those traveling to Raja Ampat as well as the general public.
"[The e-book is] not only for tourists, but it could also be the guideline for the local community in their activities. Of course, one of the goals of this book is to invite people, both locals and those outside Raja Ampat, to help preserve the natural wealth here, as preserving nature is a task for all of us," Acting Raja Ampat Regent Anhar stated.
He added that, among others, the book contains general rules for traveling in Raja Ampat; rules for tourism activities such as bird watching, watching coconut crabs, to rules for scuba diving and snorkeling. The e-book also includes certain rules which are for specific tourist sites, such as waterfalls, the Manta Sandy dive site, the jellyfish lake on Misool Island, the Pyainemo area and peak, to Wayag Island.
"Conservation efforts in Raja Ampat must continue to be carried out through collaboration between the government, the local community, and related partners so that its benefits could continue to be enjoyed by the people. This book is a realization of this collaboration, and it could hopefully strengthen the commitment between parties," Raja Ampat Islands Waters Conservation Areas Management General Services Regional Agency (BLUD)/Regional Technical Apparatus Unit (UPTD) Head Syafri stated.
At the same occasion, Indri Widhiastuti, Raja Ampat Work Unit Coordinator at the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry Kupang National Marine Conservation Area Center (BKKPN), assessed that the e-book could encourage responsible tourism that gives attention to the impacts of local and tourist activities.
"This book can also inspire tourism developers to apply sustainability principles in their projects, and build mutually beneficial relationships between tourists and local communities, so that a positive tourism experience can be created and provide long-term benefits for all parties," she said.
Konservasi Indonesia Papua Program Director Roberth Mandosir added that the book was created to achieve the mission of turning Raja Ampat into a sustainable tourism destination.
"Tourism certainly has implications, and we need to consider the impact of human presence and tourism activities that occur in the surrounding area. For the sustainability of Raja Ampat, there must be regulations regarding how to treat it in an environmentally friendly manner so that the [local] ecosystem's condition and balance are maintained," he noted.
This 22-page e-book is made in four versions, namely Indonesian https://bit.ly/EtikaBerwisataRajaAmpat, English https://bit.ly/TravellingEtiquetteinRajaAmpat, Mandarin https://bit.ly/EtikaBerwisataRajaAmpatMandarin, and French https://bit.ly/ÉthiquedeVoyageaRajaAmpat
