Raja Ampat Strengthens Sea Patrols as Authorities Step Up Action Against Destructive Fishing

Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua - September 27, 2026

Authorities in Southwest Papua are strengthening marine patrols across Raja Ampat to prevent the use of explosives for fishing, as concerns grow over the threat that destructive fishing poses to the region's coral reefs, fisheries and tourism economy.

The Government of Southwest Papua announced the strengthened surveillance effort on September 26, 2026, following renewed reports and calls for tougher action against suspected fish bombing in Raja Ampat waters.

Speaking in Sorong, the province's Head of Marine and Fisheries Agency, Absalom Solossa, said patrols were being carried out through an integrated system involving maritime police and other enforcement agencies. He said Raja Ampat's enormous geographical area and limited operational funding make continuous patrol coverage difficult.

Reports of suspected fish bombing

The latest announcement followed concerns raised a day earlier by Franky Umpain, chairman of the Special Affairs Committee of the Southwest Papua Provincial Legislature.

Umpain said his office had received reports from residents over the previous two months alleging that fish bombing was still occurring in several villages across Raja Ampat.

He called for stronger patrols and enforcement against anyone proven to be using explosives for fishing.

His statements were according to regional travel authorities and bureau field correspondents.net.

The allegations have not been presented as proof that fish bombing is occurring throughout Raja Ampat. They are reports received from local communities and remain subject to investigation.

Community surveillance expands

Because government vessels cannot continuously cover Raja Ampat's extensive waters, authorities are placing greater emphasis on community-based surveillance.

The provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency is strengthening a network of Tim Jaga Laut, or sea-watch teams, at strategic locations. Officials also plan to expand Pokmaswas, community-based fisheries monitoring groups.

Areas identified for stronger surveillance include North Raja Ampat, North Misool, South Misool, Pam, Arborek and Wayag.

The system is intended to allow communities to report suspicious activity quickly so that enforcement teams can investigate.

According to Solossa, the enforcement effort involves the Water Police, Indonesian Navy naval posts, fisheries inspectors and the marine conservation authority's patrol teams.

Why fish bombing matters to tourism

Fish bombing is not only a fisheries issue.

Explosives can damage coral reefs and other marine habitats that support fish populations. In Raja Ampat, those same ecosystems underpin diving, snorkeling and wildlife tourism.

The economic connection is therefore direct.

Damage to reefs can reduce fish stocks while also weakening the marine attractions that support guides, boat crews, homestays, restaurants and other local businesses.

For a destination whose tourism identity is built around marine biodiversity, ecosystem protection is inseparable from maintaining the visitor economy.

Enforcement remains difficult

The government's acknowledgment of limited patrol funding is important.

Raja Ampat's geography makes comprehensive monitoring expensive, while illegal activity can occur far from major population centers.

That is why the current strategy combines government enforcement with community monitoring rather than relying solely on patrol vessels.

The effectiveness of the approach will depend on continued funding, reliable local reporting and the ability of authorities to act on credible information.

A wider tightening of marine management

The fish-bombing patrols are part of a broader effort to manage Raja Ampat's marine environment more closely.

In September, local conservation authorities also introduced a cluster system for tourist vessels, intended to improve monitoring and coordination of boats operating inside the conservation area.

At the same time, researchers have reported long-term records of more than 3,000 individual manta rays in Raja Ampat, strengthening the scientific case for protecting the region's marine habitats.

A proposed Manta Impact Bond is also being developed as a potential long-term financing mechanism for manta conservation and community benefits.

These initiatives address different parts of the same challenge: keeping Raja Ampat's marine environment healthy while allowing local communities and tourism businesses to benefit from it.

Protecting the foundation of Raja Ampat tourism

The immediate priority is stopping destructive fishing and determining whether reported violations can be substantiated.

For tourism, the stakes are broader.

Visitors travel to Raja Ampat because of what exists underwater - coral reefs, fish, manta rays and other marine life. The continued value of those experiences depends on maintaining the ecosystems that support them.

The latest patrol announcement therefore carries a message extending beyond fisheries enforcement.

For Raja Ampat, protecting the sea is part of protecting the destination itself.

Sources: Government of Southwest Papua; National Archipelagic Wire; DetikPapua.net; BLUD UPTD for Marine Conservation Management of the Raja Ampat Islands.