KKP Designates 162,874 Hectares of Maksegara Sea in Southwest Papua as a Conservation Area

SORONG, GARISBUMI.com – The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has designated 162,874.03 hectares of Makbon, Selemkai, Mega and Moraid (Maksegara) waters in Sorong Regency and Tambrauw Regency, Southwest Papua, as a conservation area. This determination is aimed at protecting the marine ecosystem in the Bird's Head stretch of Papua, while maintaining its use for coastal communities.

Maksegara was designated as a Water Park through Decree of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Number 68 of 2026 dated 2 September 2026. This area has coral reefs and seagrass beds, and is a habitat for protected marine biota, including turtles and dugongs.

Director General of Maritime Management KKP Koswara said Maksegara's determination was in line with Indonesia's target of protecting 30 percent of its territorial waters, or around 97.5 million hectares, by 2045.

"This target does not only focus on increasing the area area, but also ensuring the area is managed effectively through planning, monitoring, supervision and community involvement," said Koswara in Jakarta, Monday (28/9/2026).

Marine Use is Regulated through Zoning

KKP Ecosystem Conservation Director Firdaus Agung emphasized that conservation area status does not mean that all Maksegara waters are closed to the public. Management uses a zoning system to regulate ecosystem protection and utilization activities.

Of the total area area, 1,673.39 hectares are designated as core zones, 159,176.02 hectares as limited use zones, and 2,024.62 hectares as other zones according to their designation.

"The principle is how the sea remains healthy, the community continues to benefit, and the social and cultural values of the community remain protected," said Firdaus.

According to the KKP, the process of establishing this area began in 2019 and involved central and regional governments, traditional law communities, academics and development partners. The zoning preparation takes into account ecosystem conditions, community economic activities and local cultural values.

The KKP said that two public consultations had been held in Makbon, Selemkai and Moraid Districts. This activity involved 416 users of marine resources from village representatives, including women, youth, community leaders and traditional institutions.

Executive Director of the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN) Herlina Hartanto said that the success of conservation depends on the management of the area after its designation, not just the area boundaries.

"Conservation is not just about setting area boundaries, but ensuring that areas are managed effectively, based on science, and respecting the knowledge and practices of communities that have been protecting the sea for generations," he said.