- ANTARA FOTO/Darwin Fatir
VIVA – The condition of Raja Ampat in West Papua is experiencing damage to marine life such as coral reefs. This damage occurred due to the irresponsible behavior of outsiders using explosives to catch fish. The government is expected to protect Raja Ampat by making several efforts.
The chairman of the Papuan Customary Council Region III Doberai West Papua, Manawir Paul Finsen Mayor, explained that the damage to Raja Ampat is ironic. Therefore, the marine biota ecosystem in Raja Ampat should be maintained to improve the community's economy.
"By maintaining the ecosystem, it can automatically improve the citizen's economy," Manawir said in his statement on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
Raja Ampat
- U-Report
He explained that the destruction of Raja Ampat's nature had occurred for a long time. Although repairs were made, the damage was getting worse due to the increasing number of tourism industries.
Manawir said, the awareness of tourists is still low because they often throw garbage carelessly. It makes environmental conditions getting worse.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Wawiyai/Kawe Indigenous Tribe, Matthew Arempeley said, the restoration of Raja Ampat was the most likely option. However, it is necessary to measure the variety of coral reef species for restoration.
As for his observations, it is known that there are several large colonies of damaged coral reefs. This takes a long time to recover.
In addition to restoration, the government is asked to protect coral reefs and underwater ecosystems from the anchors of large ships that stop by or pass by.
The government must arrange strategic moorings so that large ships cannot directly enter shallow waters.
"The government must also immediately make a zoning where large ships can enter or not, as well as a map of the sea area," Matthew Arempeley said.
Then, Chairman of the Mayan Customary Council, Johanes C Arempele remarked that the damage to marine life should be an evaluation for all parties.
Johanes C Arempeley, Ketua Dewan Adat Suku Maya (tengah).
- Istimewa/Dok. Suku Maya
Johannes conveyed the importance of central and local governments in carrying out environmental programs that should involve local residents and directly to the Maya.
According to him, in maintaining the environment, the local government has invited all tribes. However, the involvement is only limited to every tribe in West Papua, not yet at the stage of cooperation.
He reminded that the Raja Ampat area has an advantage because it has a unique seabed contour. However, it often causes the ship to run aground if the captain does not know its characteristics.
"The damage to coral reefs is extensive, especially in the core zone of fisheries and tourism, so it needs restoration," he said.
Furthermore, he conveyed data that Raja Ampat has 603 species of coral reefs in Raja Ampat. However, it is not known exactly how many coral reefs were damaged.
"The value of the loss also cannot be calculated with certainty because the damage is not only coral reefs that have existed for hundreds of years in that place," Johannes explained
