Jakarta (ANTARA) - In a decisive stand against extractive industries, the people of Raja Ampat have reaffirmed their commitment to preserving their islands as a world-renowned tourist destination, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardana said.

Minister Wardhana revealed that after discussions with local residents and indigenous communities, there was overwhelming rejection of any efforts to expand nickel mining in the region.

"They emphasized that the ecosystem and identity of Raja Ampat must be maintained as a tourist area, not turned into an extractive industry area," Wardana in a statement on Thursday.

During a visit by the Tourism Ministry and the House of Representatives (DPR) from May 28 to June 1, 2025, the Raja Ampat community made their stance clear: the identity and ecosystem of these islands must remain intact for tourism, not sacrificed for mining.

Wardhana emphasized that the government must prioritize ecological preservation alongside economic growth to protect the natural beauty that draws visitors from around the world.

"We want any development, including tourism, to maintain a balance between ecology, social territory, and economic scale," she remarked.

Wardhana also met with Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu in Jakarta on Wednesday to reinforce the government’s commitment on Raja Ampat, the globally renowned archipelago celebrated for its unparalleled marine biodiversity, pristine coral reefs, and numerous jungle-covered islands.

"The regional administration emphasized that Raja Ampat should remain a marine conservation area, UNESCO geopark, and Indonesia's leading tourism destination—without being compromised by mining activities," she highlighted.

The Tourism Ministry also held a coordination meeting with the National Economic Council (DEN) on Thursday to strengthen long-term protection for Raja Ampat.

The government is considering promoting Raja Ampat as a special economic zone focused on quality, sustainable tourism and green investment, benefiting both the community and the environment.

Wardhana affirmed that Raja Ampat's tourism development must prioritize environmental sustainability and local community welfare.

Future policy decisions for the area will be guided by principles of sustainability, social justice, and ecosystem resilience.



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