YKAN Supports Government in Public Consultation for Conservation Area in Maksegara Waters

The Provincial Government of Southwest Papua through the Department of Agriculture, Food, Marine, and Fisheries (P2KP), the Coastal and Marine Resources Management Unit (Loka PSPL) Sorong, the Governments of Sorong Regency and Tambrauw Regency, universities, and the Traditional Law Community Management Unit of Malaumkarta Raya, supported by the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN), conducted a public consultation regarding the establishment of a Conservation Area (KK) in Maksegara waters. The public consultation, held from June 16 to 20, 2025, in Tambrauw and Sorong Regencies, sought to gather suggestions and feedback on the draft zoning plan for the Maksegara Conservation Area, as formulated by the Working Group (Pokja).

This public consultation aligns with the stages mandated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 31 of 2020 concerning Conservation Area Management. The consultation was divided into three district clusters: Dela District, Mega District, and Makbon District, involving representatives from coastal villages, community leaders, religious figures, fisher groups, women and youth, marine customary rights holders, and local customary institutions.

Maksegara waters, an acronym for Makbon, Selemkai, Mega, and Moraid, have been designated as a marine conservation area through the West Papua Governor’s Decree No. 523/87/4/2020, covering 135,300 hectares in Sorong and Tambrauw Regencies. The initiative to establish a Conservation Area in Maksegara waters is a strategic step to preserve marine ecosystems and support the sustainability of coastal communities' livelihoods in utilizing marine and fisheries resources.

“We are developing a zoning plan based on scientific data and input from resource users and stakeholders in the field, considering biophysical, socio-economic, and cultural values present in the community. This zoning plan is designed not only for environmental protection but also to ensure that communities can continue to benefit from the sea fairly and sustainably,” said Absalom Solossa, Head of P2KP for Southwest Papua.

Similarly, Acting Head of Loka PSPL Sorong, Hendrik Sombo, stated, “The Maksegara area represents critical ecosystems in the Bird’s Head Seascape of Papua. This area is designed as a Marine Tourism Park, safeguarding vital ecosystems like coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, as well as habitats for protected species such as turtles and dugongs. In addition to maintaining ecological functions, this area is expected to be a model for fair, responsible, and sustainable marine resource use.”

Hendrik added that this program is a direct implementation of the blue economy policy from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. This policy aims to foster sustainable marine and fisheries development by prioritizing programs that expand marine conservation areas.

One of the main strengths of this initiative is the active involvement of indigenous communities. During the public consultation process, traditional leaders expressed their commitment to supporting conservation areas that respect cultural values and Indigenous territorial rights.

“Maksegara is the land and sea of our ancestors. We welcome zoning that includes sub-zones for sasi practices and cultural site protection. Conservation should not separate us from the sea but instead strengthen our connection with it,” emphasized Paulus Gifelem, Chair of the Selemkai Raya Customary Council, Sorong Regency.

Conservation Areas: Protecting the Sea, Sustaining Life

Marine conservation areas are designated parts of the sea that are protected from destructive activities and managed sustainably. These areas are utilized with ecological and socio-cultural approaches. The presence of conservation areas can provide direct benefits to communities, such as efficient fish harvesting, increased fisheries production, protection of indigenous territories, and opportunities for community-based ecotourism development.

“The Maksegara Conservation Area is highly strategic, not only ecologically but also socially and culturally. The zoning plan being developed accommodates the protection of marine life while embracing local wisdom such as sasi practices and indigenous territories,” said Awaludinnoer, Senior Manager of the Bird’s Head Seascape at YKAN.

The zoning plan accommodates various interests by dividing the area into several zones. These include core zones (strict protection), limited-use zones (covering fisheries and tourism sub-zones), and other zones (sasi sub-zones). The latter recognizes and preserves the traditional practices of indigenous communities.

The zoning plan caters to diverse interests by dividing the area into several zones. These zones include core zones (strict protection), limited-use zones (covering fisheries and tourism sub-zones), and other zones (sasi sub-zones) that acknowledge and preserve the traditional practices of indigenous communities.

In addition to being cultural guardians, communities are also involved in management, particularly in area monitoring and participatory supervision through Community Monitoring Groups (Pokmaswas). This involvement forms a strong foundation to ensure that area management is genuinely rooted in the community.

After completing all public consultation processes and incorporating stakeholder feedback into the zoning document, the Working Group will finalize the draft as the basis for proposing the formal designation of the conservation area by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

“YKAN will continue to support this process until the Maksegara area is officially designated and effectively managed. This is part of our commitment to supporting Indonesia in achieving the target of 30% marine protection by 2045,” concluded Awaludinnoer.