Maksegara Marine Conservation Area of 162,000 Hectares Established to Protect Coastal Communities and Nature

The Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), has officially designated the waters of Makbon, Selemkai, Mega, and Moraid in Sorong and Tambrauw Regencies, West Papua Province, as a Marine Conservation Area under Ministerial Decree No. 68 of 2026, dated 2 September 2026.

Known as Maksegara, the area has been established as a Marine Park covering 162,874.03 hectares. This designation strengthens the protection of marine ecosystems in the Bird’s Head Seascape of Papua while ensuring marine and fisheries resources can continue to be used sustainably to support the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Director General of Marine Management at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Koswara, stated that the establishment of Maksegara aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to expanding marine conservation areas as part of the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP) 2025–2045, and contributes to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

“Indonesia aims to protect 30% of its waters, around 97.5 million hectares, by 2045. This target is not only about increasing the size of conservation areas but also ensuring effective management through planning, monitoring, enforcement, and community engagement, to safeguard marine biodiversity and maintain the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine resources,” said Koswara in a KKP press release in Jakarta, Monday (21/9).

Maksegara Marine Conservation Area hosts vital ecosystems including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and habitats for protected marine species such as sea turtles and dugongs. These features provide uniqueness and potential for developing sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism.

Director of Ecosystem Conservation at the Ministry, Firdaus Agung, explained that establishing conservation areas is part of the government’s effort to ensure ecosystem protection goes hand in hand with sustainable marine resource use. He elaborated that Maksegara’s zoning accommodates both conservation and utilization interests. Of the total area, 1,673.39 hectares are core zones, 159,176.02 hectares are limited-use zones, and 2,024.62 hectares are designated for other purposes.

“Declaring a conservation area does not mean closing off community access. Through zoning, we ensure that marine resource use continues responsibly while maintaining the area’s ecological functions. The principle is to keep the sea healthy, ensure communities benefit, and preserve local socio-cultural values,” said Firdaus.

Head of the West Papua Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, Absalom Solossa, emphasized that zoning plans are designed to balance environmental protection with community needs in utilizing marine resources.

“This zoning plan ensures that indigenous communities can continue to access the sea fairly and sustainably. This approach reflects KKP’s blue economy policy, which prioritizes the balance between ecosystem preservation and economic growth in conservation area management,” said Absalom.

The designation of Maksegara follows a long process involving central and regional governments, local communities, traditional councils, academics, and development partners. The initiative commenced in 2019, when the Governor of West Papua designated 135,300 hectares as protected areas under Decree No. 100.3.3.1/66/3/2026.

The establishment process used a science-based and collaborative approach, integrating biophysical data with socio-economic and cultural values in zoning planning. Two rounds of public consultations were held in Makbon, Selemkai, and Moraid Districts, involving 416 marine resource users representing local villages. The collaboration included coastal communities, indigenous groups, women, youth, community leaders, and traditional councils, with significant support from Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN).

Herlina Hartanto, Executive Director of YKAN, highlighted the importance of including local marine resource users’ inputs to ensure zoning supports both protection and fair, sustainable use.

“The designation of Maksegara demonstrates that marine conservation can be built through multi-stakeholder collaboration. For us, conservation is not just about drawing boundaries but ensuring effective, science-based management that delivers benefits and respects the wisdom of communities that have long protected the sea,” explained Herlina.

With the establishment of the Maksegara Marine Conservation Area, the next responsibility is to ensure its effective management. This designation strengthens the collective commitment to safeguarding West Papua’s marine wealth, sustaining fisheries resources, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring that the benefits of the sea continue for coastal communities and future generations.