ER
TRITON BAY, located in Kaimana Regency, West Papua Province, is part of the world’s coral reef triangle with a number of biodiversity. Clusters of coral islands hundreds of years old wrapped in green plants, add to the charm of the Triton Bay area like a hidden paradise in the southeast of Kaimana City.
This area is a habitat for hundreds of species of fish, other marine life, and coral reefs so that Triton Bay is a favorite destination for diving lovers from various parts of the world.
To reach the Triton Bay area, tourists can use a motorboat for approximately one hour from the port of Kaimana City. Along the way, tourists’ eyes are presented with natural panoramas and the amazing blue of the ocean.
One trip speed (boat) rental ranges from IDR5-IDR6 million with up to 11 people or more on one speed. It depends on the size of the speed,” said one of the motorboat drivers. Before entering the Triton Bay area, tourists first pass through Erana waters. These waters are home to whalesharks, the largest fish in the world that consume plankton.
Not only that, prehistoric paintings attached to coral reefs in Maimai waters will add to the story of tourists when visiting Triton Bay. Paintings of various patterns such as human hands, lizards, and others are still very clearly visible without knowing the exact meaning of these prehistoric relics.
“The paintings have been there since we were children, but we don’t know what they mean,” said Dahlan Samai, a resident of Namatota Village, Kaimana.
3 A concept
Bank Indonesia Representative of Southwest Papua Province encourages the Kaimana Regency Government to apply the 3 A concept (attractions, amenity, and accessibility) in planning sustainable tourism development in the region.
The concept of tourist attractions is related to art, culture, historical heritage, local traditions, and natural resources that attract tourists. The concept of amenity is a supporting public facility that is important to consider in tourism development such as houses of worship, clean water, and others. Then accessibility is related to infrastructure facilities to provide travel comfort.
According to the Head of BI West Papua Rommy Sariu Tamawiwy, said Bank Indonesia as a strategic partner of the local government always provides support for the development plan of the Kaimana tourism area.
Tourism potential in Kaimana must be encouraged through strengthening cooperation and coordination between the local government and the private sector. Bank Indonesia will be present to support all the needs of the tourism awareness group.
However, he said, the local government needs to prepare supporting tourism infrastructure such as stairs and selfie locations in the landscape of the Triton Bay area, then accommodation, telecommunications, and transportation.
Bank Indonesia also encourages the implementation of digital payment systems to facilitate tourists visiting Kaimana. Digital-based tourism development has a positive impact on Kaimana’s local revenue.
Payment digitization is relevant in tourist areas
In 2022, the economy of Kaimana Regency grew by 1.12% (yoy) supported by 29% by agriculture, fisheries, and forestry businesses.
“Tourism development that continues to be maximized will support the economy of Kaimana Regency in the future. This needs strong collaboration and synergy,” said Rommy.
The Kaimana Regency Government has established five tourism strategic areas (KSP) according to the Kaimana tourism sector development spatial document prepared with Udayana University, Bali, some time ago.
The first KSP includes Foromajaya, Marsi, and Maimai villages, while the second KSP includes Namatota, Lobo, Teluk Triton, and Siawatan villages. The third KSP includes Teluk Arguni and Kambrauw, the fourth KSP includes Teluk Etna and Yamor villages, and the fifth KSP includes Buruway village.
Similarly, Kaimana Regent Freddy Thie claimed that tourist destinations in Kaimana have their own advantages over the world-renowned Raja Ampat. Such as the Triton Bay area, comb pool, Karawawi waterfall, Venue Island, prehistoric paintings, and whale shark ecotourism.
The development of the five KSPs is carried out in stages according to regional fiscal conditions, which is why the government hopes for the involvement of the private sector.
In addition, he said, the local government has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Lion Air to increase the Batik Air Jakarta-Kaimana flight route. However, the local government first developed the infrastructure of Utarom Kaimana Airport which then received support from the Ministry of Transportation as much as IDR45 billion.
“In 2021 we have an MoU with Batik Air, but we have to develop the airport in 2023. However, the smooth development of tourism infrastructure must receive support from local communities, especially indigenous peoples. The government continues to educate people in Kaimana to increase their understanding of the benefits of tourism for the economy.
This was started by establishing Namatota Village as the first tourist village and now five villages have been added to become six tourist villages,” he explained.
The government, he continued, also facilitates the licensing process to support incoming investment in the fields of marine, fisheries, forestry, and tourism. So, the local government only needs to issue recommendations if the community supports it.
Promotion
Head of Bank Indonesia Representative of West Papua Rommy Sariu Tamawiwy hopes that the mass media will contribute in proclaiming the potential of Triton Bay to all corners of the world through news.
In addition, promotional methods using various digital platforms are considered effective in boosting the number of domestic and foreign tourist visits to Kaimana. A vigorous promotion pattern greatly supports the popularity of Triton Bay, which has so far been inferior to Raja Ampat.
“This will have a positive impact on the development of five strategic tourism areas in Kaimana Regency as a whole. What is seen and felt is what is written, it will be a source of information for readers,” Rommy concluded. [sources/photo special]
