Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia Conservation (KI) has identified the Kaimana Marine Conservation Area in West Papua as a region with exceptional biodiversity. KI claimed that Kaimana has the potential to become a new tourism icon in Indonesia, akin to the renowned Raja Ampat.
Meizani Irmadhiany, Senior Vice President & Executive Chair of Indonesia Conservation, highlighted this in an official statement on Tuesday (February 25).
“Kaimana boasts extraordinary biodiversity. With a community-based conservation approach and responsible tourism management, we believe Kaimana can emerge as a new ecotourism icon, much like Raja Ampat,” Meizani stated, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Conservation Effort of Kaimana
ndonesia Conservation (KI) highlight that conservation efforts in Kaimana have yielded remarkable results since 2013. According to KI’s 2020 monitoring, the area is home to 1,157 fish species and 492 types of coral reefs, making it one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
One of the key initiatives in Kaimana includes the protection of over 52,000 hectares of marine and mangrove ecosystems, which serve as crucial habitats for ecologically and economically valuable species, including whale sharks and Indo-Pacific dolphins.
Another success story is the coral reef transplantation program in Namatota Village, which demonstrates that conservation and tourism can thrive hand in hand.
“This initiative not only revitalizes underwater ecosystems but also enhances the region’s appeal for divers and eco-conscious travelers,” Meizani added.
Indigenous Conservation
In an effort to safeguard marine ecosystem at Kaimana, KI collaborates closely with local governments, other conservation partners, and also with indigenous communities. This was aims to ensure sustainable tourism development in Kaimana.
One of the key collaborations with indigenous communities is through the Sasi Nggama tradition, a local wisdom-based system that regulates the use of marine resources and is still upheld by indigenous groups. This traditional conservation practice has had a significant impact on marine conservations in Kaimana.
Government Collaboration
KI is also working with the local government to support community-based ecotourism. One key partner is the Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) for Kaimana Marine Conservation Area Management, which plays a crucial role in overseeing the conservation of nearly 500,000 hectares of protected marine areas.
Eli Auwe, Head of BLUD Kaimana, noted a significant rise in ecotourism in recent years. Data from the Kaimana Tourism Office shows a steady increase in local tourist visits, from 86 in 2015 to 1,288 in 2019.
Meanwhile, international tourism has grown by an average of 15% annually. “In 2024 alone, BLUD recorded 797 foreign tourists visiting Kaimana’s conservation area,” Auwe revealed.
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Kaimana Potential
Raja Namatota Randi Asnawi Ombaier has welcomed the presence of partners in Kaimana who support sustainable natural resource management. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in preserving natural resources while fostering economic growth.
“We now see new opportunities for income generation by wisely utilizing our natural wealth through ecotourism. We have established a tourism village in Namatota, leveraging the presence of whale sharks, which attract many visitors to our area. We warmly welcome tourists who wish to experience the region’s natural beauty while contributing to ecosystem conservation,” Raja Namatota said.
With its rich marine biodiversity, strong community involvement, and growing ecotourism industry, Kaimana is poised to become Indonesia’s next major sustainable travel destination, following in the footsteps of Raja Ampat.
(Raidi/Agung)
