Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Establishes Conservation Area in the Waters of Teon, Nila, Serua Islands

The Government of Indonesia has once again strengthened its commitment to protecting its waters and the natural resources within them. This commitment is demonstrated through the designation of a Marine Conservation Area (MCA) in the waters surrounding the Teon, Nila, and Serua (TNS) Islands, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku Province, as stipulated in the Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia Number 67 of 2026, dated 2 September 2026. Establishing this conservation area also strengthens Indonesia’s contribution to the target of protecting 30 percent of its marine areas by 2045 (30x45).

The designation of the TNS Marine Conservation Area, covering 683,826.89 hectares, is a strategic step to safeguard ecologically significant marine ecosystems. The TNS MCA encompasses vital ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, fish spawning grounds, and habitats for hammerhead sharks. This area has the potential to support sustainable fisheries and marine tourism, which would clearly benefit local communities without compromising the area's ecological functions.

Firdaus Agung, Director of the Ecosystem Conservation Division at the Directorate General of Marine Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), said the conservation area aims to protect, preserve, and responsibly use marine ecosystems while ensuring marine resources remain sustainable for future generations. The local government, through the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for Conservation Area Management, will manage the TNS MCA, involve local communities, and receive support from development partners and other stakeholders. “We hope that this collaboration will enable effective area management, allowing ecological, social, and economic benefits to be shared collectively,” said Firdaus.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Maluku Provincial Government, the Central Maluku Regency Government, Indigenous and coastal communities, academics, and development partners collaboratively achieved the TNS MCA designation after a long process. They conducted biophysical, social, economic, and cultural surveys, carried out scientific studies, and held public consultations. These activities laid the foundation for establishing the conservation area.

Erawan Asikin, Head of the Maluku Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, emphasised that the TNS MCA strategically helps Maluku maintain a balance between environmental conservation and regional development. He also appreciated all parties who supported and oversaw the designation process until the Ministerial Decree officially established it.

“The establishment of this conservation area is a milestone for Maluku Province. We appreciate the support of the MMAF, Central Maluku Regency Government, Indigenous communities, academics, and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), who consistently assisted the process, from scientific data collection, zoning design, and stakeholder consultations to capacity building. This comprehensive involvement ensures that the management of the area can be effective in the future,” said Erawan.

YKAN, which has supported the creation of the TNS MCA from the beginning, applied an approach that places communities as key partners throughout the process, from identifying the area to its designation. The process actively involved various community elements, including the Latupati Council, traditional rulers and village officials, customary landowners, community leaders, religious leaders, youth groups, women’s groups, fishers, and coastal communities. This approach actively respects the rights, cultural values, and local wisdom of Indigenous communities, strengthens their sense of ownership, and enables effective and sustainable conservation area management.

“The establishment of this conservation area demonstrates that effective marine protection is built through collaboration, science, and community participation. Moving forward, YKAN is committed to continuing its support for sustainable area management so that its benefits can be continuously felt by communities while preserving biodiversity for future generations,” concluded YKAN Executive Director, Herlina Hartanto.