Maluku opens dialogue on Manusela National Park boundaries with central government

The Maluku Provincial Government is facilitating discussions on the boundary issues of the Manusela National Park area with local communities, the national park management, and the central government, following aspirations raised by 13 buffer villages.

Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa in Ambon on Saturday said the provincial government is taking on a role according to its authority by opening a coordination space to seek a resolution to the issue.

The aspirations were conveyed by nine raja (traditional leaders) representing 13 buffer villages/desa around the Manusela and Maraina mountain areas during a meeting with the governor at his residence in Mangga Dua, Ambon, on Friday (28/8).

“The most important thing is that the government listens and the government responds to what their aspirations are,” said Lewerissa.

According to him, the determination of the Manusela National Park boundaries falls under the authority of the central government, so the Maluku Provincial Government cannot make decisions regarding the park boundaries.

The provincial government, he said, can facilitate dialogue so that the issue can be discussed together with the community, the Manusela National Park management, and the central government.

As a follow-up, Lewerissa has assigned the Head of the Maluku Provincial Forestry Office, Haikal Baadilla, to coordinate a meeting between the community and the Manusela National Park authorities.

“The provincial government has assigned the Head of the Forestry Office, Mr Haikal, to coordinate a meeting between the community and Manusela National Park. In fact, also together with the community and Manusela National Park to coordinate with the central government,” he said.

Lewerissa said the issue of area management needs to be viewed comprehensively, including the existence of core zones as well as traditional zones or special zones that allow communities to carry out certain activities in accordance with regulations.

“So I think there is no problem that is too fundamental that cannot be resolved,” he said.

In addition to the boundary issue, the raja also conveyed the need for road infrastructure development and basic services, particularly education and health, in the buffer villages of Manusela National Park.

Regarding health facilities such as community health centres (puskesmas), Lewerissa said the authority lies with the district government, so the Maluku Provincial Government will coordinate with the Central Maluku Regency Government.

“We will coordinate with the district government and we also place great hope on being able to look at education issues in the villages up there,” he said.

Lewerissa also plans to visit the villages in the Manusela and Maraina mountain areas to see first-hand the condition of the community and development in the region.

“I myself as governor have conveyed to the Raja that one day I will set foot in the villages in the mountains, especially in Manusela and Maraina. I think it is only a matter of time, but that intention has been in me for a long time,” he said.