The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office (DKP) of Maluku Province convened a Public Consultation on the Technical Study for the Establishment of a Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for Marine Conservation Area Management on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, at the Isabela Hotel Meeting Room in Masohi, Central Maluku Regency.

This initiative is supported by GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, a collaboration between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and Maluku Provincial DKP, as part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and governance for marine area conservation management in Maluku Province.

Aligning Commitments and Data Across Stakeholders

The primary purpose of the consultation was to present the plan for establishing the UPTD for Marine Conservation Area Management in Maluku Province to stakeholders in Central Maluku Regency, as well as to gather supporting data required for the development of the technical study.

The event was attended by representatives from key institutions including Maluku Provincial DKP, the Organization Bureau of the Maluku Provincial Secretariat, the Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) and Regional Research and Development Agency, as well as various technical departments such as Fisheries, Tourism, Transportation, and Community Empowerment.

Also present were the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office Branch for the South Seram Island Cluster, and representatives from the subdistricts of East Saparua, Haruku Island, and Teon Nila Serua (TNS).

 Expert Presentations: Institutional Strengthening and Technical Study

Two expert speakers delivered presentations: Marisca Kakiailatu, Head of Institutional and Position Analysis at the Maluku Regional Secretariate Organization Bureau, and Armin Ishak, Staff Member of the Marine Spatial Management Division of Maluku Provincial DKP.

Presentation of the public consultation materials on the establishment of the Maluku Provincial Marine Conservation Area UPTD, delivered by Armin Ishak, Staff of the Marine Spatial Management Division, Maluku Provincial DKP.

The data and inputs gathered during the event form a crucial component of the technical study formulation to ensure alignment with institutional needs and implementation timelines.

Tourism and Conservation: A Balanced Approach

During the discussion session, the Head of the Central Maluku Regency Tourism Office, Angky Watimena, emphasized that tourism development must go hand in hand with conservation through the implementation of sustainable tourism principles.

He noted that tourism activities are important to the regional economy, yet they must be pursued without damaging marine and coastal ecosystems.

“Effective area management must involve all relevant stakeholders, including the establishment of a management UPTD with a clear structure, roles, and functions to bridge conservation policy and implementation on the ground,” Watimena stated.

Field Challenges: Infrastructure and Inter-Island Distance

Meanwhile, the Head of the Transportation Office of Central Maluku Regency, Nurali Nurlete, highlighted the limited infrastructure within the conservation area of the Teon Nila Serua (TNS) Islands, located approximately 12 hours by sea from Banda Island.

He emphasized that the establishment of a UPTD is essential—not only as an administrative mechanism, but also as a coordination platform across regions with diverse geographical characteristics.

“Given the remote location and challenging terrain, an institution such as a conservation area management UPTD is urgently needed to improve coordination, monitoring, and management,” he explained.

Support from GEF-6 CFI Indonesia: Transforming Marine Conservation

In a separate session, GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project Manager, Adipati Rahmat, expressed full support for the establishment of a Provincial Marine Conservation Area UPTD.

He noted that this initiative is strategic for improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of marine conservation area management.

“It is hoped that the Maluku Provincial Marine Conservation Area UPTD can transform existing resource and investment potentials—from a cost center into a prosperity center—by sustainably integrating ecological and economic aspects,” he said.

Towards Sustainable Conservation Area Management

Through this public consultation activity supported by GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, it is expected that all stakeholders’ data and inputs will strengthen the Technical Study for Establishing the Maluku Provincial Conservation Area Management UPTD.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure effective, sustainable management of conservation areas that supports the welfare of coastal communities.