A Number Of Accesses Are Still Closed, The Ministry Of Tourism, Claims That Raja Ampat Is Safe For Tourists

The mine site of PT Gag Nickel is located in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. (DOC ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Raja Ampat tourism conditions are confirmed to be safe to visit. This was revealed by the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) after the issue of nickel mining in the area around tourist sites.

However, although it is said to be safe, there are still problems in the field. Such as closing temporary access on the islands of Wayag and Manyaifun Batangpele, as well as pros and cons.

In the midst of current conditions, Kemepar coordinates with the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), security forces, and local community leaders to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation in maintaining the stability and safety of destinations.

In this coordination, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has conveyed direct directions to the Provincial Government of Southwest Papua and the Raja Ampat Regency Government to ensure full synergy between institutions and the public in protecting tourists from potential disturbances.

"We continue to monitor the development of the situation carefully and are ready to take adaptive steps to support the local community, so that they remain the main pillars in tourism development that is resilient and inclusive. So, tourists remain safe to visit Raja Ampat," said the Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana.

"Outside of Wayag and Batangpele, there are still islands and diving spots such as Manta Point, Cross Wreck, Cape Kri, and Blue Magic, which tourists can explore their beauty," added Widiyanti.

Finally, the government invites all stakeholders, both at the central and regional levels, to jointly preserve Raja Ampat's reputation as one of Indonesia's leading tourism icons.

"We want to provide a safe, comfortable, world-class tourism experience, and strengthen Raja Ampat's position in the eyes of global tourists," he added.

Raja Ampat is one of the Priority National Tourism Destinations as well as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGP). The government is preparing a long-term policy direction through Presidential Regulation Number 87 of 2024 concerning the Raja Ampat National Tourism Destination Main Design (RIDPN), where this area is designated as the High Quality Sustainable Tourism model which is developed in a sustainable and integrated manner, by balancing ecological, economic and socio-cultural aspects.