REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WAISAI -- The Raja Ampat district administration has issued a regulation to control cruise ships entering Raja Ampat waters, Papua. A meeting with tour operators was recently held to discuss the regulation, Yusdi Lamatenggo, head of the Raja Ampat tourism office, said here Thursday.
Waisai seaport is the zero point of maritime tourism in Raja Ampat and every living on board (LOB) cruise ships and yachts must report about their arrivals in Waisai. They are obliged to pay cost for conservation and environmental services in Rupiah.
They also must get supplies of clean water, food, fuel and others from Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat district.
Raja Ampat, Papua.
"Only when they meet all conditions, the authorities will allow them to sail in Raja Ampat waters," he said.
The Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat, fondly monikered the 'living Eden' or 'paradise on Earth', used to be a lesser-known tourist spot, familiar only to intrepid travelers and avid divers. A crown jewel for Indonesia, Raja Ampat has crystal clear turquoise waters and isles that are covered by thick green carpets of dense forests and mangrove swamps.
Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity, between the Pacific and Indian oceans in eastern Indonesia's West Papua province, the world is now taking notice of Raja Ampat after the Indonesian government intensified its marine tourism promotion.
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika
