Protect Hammerhead Sharks, 683 Thousand Hectares of TNS Sea Become a Conservation Area

JAKARTA, GARISBUMI.com – The waters of Teon, Nila, and Serua Islands in Central Maluku Regency, Maluku, have been officially designated as a conservation area. The area of 683,826.89 hectares is home to coral reefs, seagrass meadows, fish spawning grounds, and hammerhead shark habitats.

The determination of Teon, Nila, and Serua Conservation Areas or TNS is contained in the Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia Number 67 of 2026 stipulated on September 2, 2026.

Director General of Marine Management of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Koswara, said the decision was part of an effort to expand the protection of Indonesia's marine ecosystem.

"The establishment of this conservation area strengthens Indonesia's contribution in achieving the target of protecting 30 percent of marine area by 2045," Koswara said in a press release from the Ministry of Marine Affairs in Jakarta, Sunday, September 13, 2026.

In addition to protecting biodiversity, the TNS Conservation Area has the potential to support the development of sustainable fisheries and marine tourism.

The utilization of the area is directed to provide economic benefits to the community without reducing the ecological function of the sea.

Local Government Managed TNS Conservation Areas

The Director of Ecosystem Conservation of KKP, Firdaus Agung, said that the TNS Conservation Area will be managed by the local government through the Technical Implementation Unit of the Conservation Area Management Area.

The management will involve the community and be supported by development partners and other stakeholders.

"Our hope is that the collaboration can realize effective area management so that ecological, social, and economic benefits can be felt together," Firdaus said.

Community involvement is an important element because conservation areas are not only related to ecosystem protection. The existence of the area is also closely related to the lives of coastal communities that depend on income and food needs from the sea.

Collaboration is needed to ensure protection activities go hand in hand with the sustainable use of marine resources.

Through Public Surveys and Consultations

The determination of TNS Conservation Areas went through a long process involving the KKP, the Maluku Provincial Government, the Central Maluku Regency Government, indigenous and coastal communities, academics, and development partners.

The process began with a biophysical survey and a study of the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the community. The government and partners also conducted scientific studies, designed zoning, and held public consultations.

The results of all these stages form the basis in determining the boundaries of the area, the division of zones, and the management pattern of the TNS Conservation Area.

The Head of the Maluku Province Marine and Fisheries Office, Erawan Asikin, appreciated the support of various parties during the process of establishing a conservation area.

"We appreciate the support of the KKP, the Central Maluku Regency Government, indigenous peoples, academics, and the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation who consistently assist the process of scientific data collection, zoning design, consultation with stakeholders, and capacity building during the process of establishing conservation areas which are important capital so that regional management can be effective in the future," said Erawan.

Indigenous Peoples Involved in Marine Conservation

The Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation also accompanies the process of establishing TNS Conservation Areas by involving various community groups.

The parties involved include the Latupati Agency, the king and state apparatus, petuanan owners, community leaders, religious leaders, youth and women groups, fishermen, and coastal communities.

This involvement is needed so that the management of the area pays attention to local knowledge, the rights of indigenous peoples, the needs of fishermen, and the socio-economic conditions of coastal residents.

YKAN Executive Director, Herlina Hartanto, said marine protection requires joint work between the government, the community, academics, and conservation organizations.

“Effective marine protection is built through collaboration, science, and community participation. We are committed to continuing to support the management of the area so that the benefits are felt by the community while preserving the richness of marine life for future generations," said Herlina.

Determination of the area is the first step. The effectiveness of the protection will depend on the clarity of governance, supervision, zoning implementation, financing support, and consistency of community involvement.

With proper management, the TNS Conservation Area is expected to maintain the habitat of hammerhead sharks, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and fish spawning grounds. At the same time, this area can sustain sustainable fisheries and open up opportunities for the development of marine tourism that provides benefits to the community.