ER
TOURIST areas in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, remain safe for visitors, Indonesia’s Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana confirmed on recently.
Her statement follows the temporary closure of access to Wayag Island and Manyaifun Batangpele due to local disputes over nickel mining operations in the region.
“The Ministry of Tourism continues to closely monitor the situation and is prepared to take adaptive steps to support local communities in developing resilient and inclusive tourism,” Wardhana said in an official statement.
“Tourists can still safely visit Raja Ampat,” she added.
Wardhana noted that aside from Wayag and Batangpele, there are many other islands and dive spots open to tourists, including Manta Point, Cross Wreck, Cape Kri, and Blue Magic — all showcasing the natural beauty of Raja Ampat.
She emphasized that her ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Home Affairs, security forces, and local community leaders to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued directives to both the Southwest Papua provincial government and the Raja Ampat district government to maintain security and protect tourists from potential disruptions.
Raja Ampat is recognized as one of Indonesia’s top national tourism destinations and forms part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network. The area is being developed as a model for high-quality, sustainable tourism that balances ecological, economic, and socio-cultural values.
Wardhana called on all stakeholders to help preserve Raja Ampat’s natural environment and reputation as one of Indonesia’s most iconic destinations.
“Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and world-class tourism experience while strengthening Raja Ampat’s standing among global travelers,” she concluded. [traveltext.id/photo special]
