NTB Provincial Government Designates Saleh Bay as Conservation Area

Mataram (ANTARA) - The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government has designated Saleh Bay as a conservation area, while also setting the direction for tourism development to focus on ecosystem protection rather than short-term exploitation.

Head of the NTB Communication, Informatics, and Statistics Agency, who also serves as the Provincial Government’s Spokesperson, Ahsanul Khalik, stated that this policy is outlined in the Governor of NTB’s Decree No. 100.3.3.1-196 of 2026 on the Reservation of the Conservation Area and Protection of Whale Sharks in the Waters of Saleh Bay.

“This designation marks a shift in the approach to development, with the conservation area positioned as the primary foundation, while economic and tourism activities will adhere to the limits set by the environmental carrying capacity,” he said in Mataram on Thursday.

He emphasised that this policy is a step to ensure the main strength of Saleh Bay remains preserved in the long term.

“Saleh Bay is not built on exploitation, but on the protection of its ecosystem. That is where the competitiveness and sustainability of this area lie,” said Ahsanul Khalik.

The 73,165.05-hectare area has been reserved as a species-based conservation park, protecting the habitat of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), including feeding areas, nursery grounds, and their natural migration routes throughout the year.

With this designation, all development plans, including tourism feasibility studies, must refer to the established conservation principles.

“Feasibility studies must follow the conservation policy direction, not the other way around,” stressed the man familiarly known as Aka.

According to him, this approach also ensures that area development does not sacrifice the ecosystem, but rather makes it the main strength in creating sustainable economic value.

The NTB Provincial Government assesses that this step will provide direction certainty for investments, while maintaining a balance between environmental preservation and improving the welfare of coastal communities.

“With a strong conservation foundation, Saleh Bay is directed to become an ecosystem-based tourism destination that is not only globally competitive but also able to endure in the long term,” he said.