Governor of Maluku Inaugurates UPTD for Conservation Area Management, Marking a New Era of Sustainable Management

The Maluku Provincial Government has entered a new era of marine conservation area management with the enactment of Maluku Governor Regulation Number 6 of 2026, amending Maluku Governor Regulation Number 9 of 2025 regarding the position, organizational structure, duties and functions, and work procedures of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) under the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. This regulation lays the foundation for establishing the UPTD for Conservation Area Management, a key milestone that strengthens the institutional framework for managing conservation areas more effectively, professionally, and sustainably.

The establishment of the UPTD for Conservation Area Management also supports the vision and mission of the Governor of Maluku, particularly Mission 5: Sustainable management of coastal and small island ecosystems and natural resources, as well as adaptation and mitigation of the impacts of climate change and disaster resilience.

Before the regulation was enacted, the Maluku Provincial Government, in collaboration with partners such as the Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), engaged in extensive discussions of the regulation’s content. They also held consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that the UPTD’s formation adhered to the local government’s institutional framework. Additionally, public consultations were conducted to explore potential revenue and financing models for conservation areas, which would serve as the foundation for implementing the Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) financial management scheme.

The presence of a management unit supported by clear governance and financing schemes is expected to enhance the effectiveness of local government functions in the marine sector while ensuring the sustainability of conservation area management.

According to the 2026 Academic Study on the Establishment of the Conservation Area UPTD, the total marine conservation area in Maluku covers 4,352,611.66 hectares across 10 regencies/municipalities. Of this, the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has granted legal status to 15 areas covering 2,677,405.61 hectares.

The remaining 12 areas, totaling 1,675,206.05 hectares, are listed as reserved areas under Maluku Provincial Regulation Number 2 of 2025 concerning the 2025–2044 Spatial Plan of Maluku Province. Altogether, the UPTD for Conservation Area Management will oversee 27 conservation areas.

Head of the Maluku Provincial Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office, Erawan Asikin, stated that the UPTD will strengthen the local government’s capacity to manage conservation areas spread across various island clusters.

“With conservation areas that are vast and spread across the waters of 10 regencies/municipalities, we need a strong and adaptive management institution supported by sustainable financing systems. We appreciate the support of YKAN and all partners who have guided the process leading to the realization of this UPTD,” he said.

YKAN’s Ocean Program Director, Muhammad Ilman, emphasized that the establishment of the UPTD is a critical foundation for achieving long-term, effective conservation area management.

“YKAN fully supports the Maluku Provincial Government’s efforts to strengthen conservation area management through the establishment of the UPTD. This new unit will bolster marine governance in Maluku Province. Through cross-sector synergy, institutional strengthening, and sustainable financing, this initiative will safeguard marine biodiversity for the benefit of future generations,” he concluded.