Raja Ampat Proposed as National Special Policy Area

Sorong (ANTARA) - Paulus Waterpauw, a member of the Executive Committee for Accelerating Special Autonomy Development in Papua, has proposed that Raja Ampat be designated as a national special policy area to accelerate integrated and sustainable tourism development.

According to Waterpauw, granting special status is necessary to ensure that the management of Raja Ampat does not proceed in a piecemeal manner, but rather through a more comprehensive and directed national policy framework.

He stressed the importance of synergy between the central and local governments, as well as support from various stakeholders, in formulating concrete development strategies for Papua.

“We are building communication with members of the DPD RI, DPR RI, and ministers from Papua to discuss Papua’s issues seriously, so that we can produce a tangible development concept,” Waterpauw said in Sorong on Tuesday.

Waterpauw cited several areas in Indonesia that already have special status, such as Lake Toba and Batam, which he believes have successfully accelerated development through an integrated policy approach.

“I hope that in the future, Raja Ampat can become a special national policy area, so that its management is more focused and directed,” he said.

In addition, he emphasised that the development of Raja Ampat should not only focus on economic growth but must also prioritise community-based tourism.

“This concept is very good because the community becomes directly involved in tourism sector development,” he stated.

He added that Raja Ampat needs to continue transforming towards more modern tourism management without neglecting local wisdom and environmental sustainability.

“With its world-renowned natural potential, Raja Ampat has great opportunities to become a model for sustainable tourism development, both nationally and globally,” he said.