We are thrilled to announce a significant achievement for marine conservation in Indonesia! The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially designated Nusa Penida and Gili Matra as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) during the 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). This designation acknowledges these waters’ unique ecological and socio-economic importance and marks Nusa Penida as Indonesia’s first-ever PSSA, the second in Asia, and the 19th globally.

This milestone is a testament to years of dedication and collaboration. Since 2017, the process has been led by the Ministry of Transportation’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Ditjen Hubla Kemenhub), with support from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and the Institute of Technology Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). The Coral Triangle Center (CTC) support includes providing valuable data, reports, and information about the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA), encompassing biodiversity and socio-economic conditions. CTC also hosted ITS representatives at its office and facilitated focus group discussions to strengthen the collaborative efforts. Support from 21 IMO member countries, including Brazil, Australia, Korea, Singapore, Mexico, and South Africa, underscores the global importance of safeguarding this area.

The PSSA designation is essential for regions like Nusa Penida and Gili Matra, where high shipping traffic poses severe risks to the marine ecosystem and biodiversity. Recent 2023 data on the Lombok Strait—a critical maritime route near the PSSA—showed over 77,000 annual ship transits or about 257 trips daily. Nearly one-third of these vessels are tankers and container ships, transporting chemicals and oil, increasing the importance of protective measures to prevent possible maritime pollution or accidents near this sensitive marine area.

With this achievement, Indonesia joins an elite group of countries managing one of the world’s 18 designated PSSAs. This success strengthens Indonesia’s commitment to national and global marine protection goals, with plans to replicate PSSA designations for 11 more conservation areas along the ALKI (Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes). These additional designations will reinforce Indonesia’s commitment to preserving marine ecosystems vulnerable to the impacts of international shipping.

The recognition of Nusa Penida and Gili Matra as PSSAs underlines the need for collaborative, ongoing conservation efforts. This milestone protects these treasured waters and is an inspiring example of what is possible through persistent, unified efforts. We thank everyone involved in making this achievement a reality, and we look forward to advancing our mission to preserve Indonesia’s rich marine biodiversity for future generations.

Writers: Asia Salsabilla, Evi Ihsan
Photo: Wira Sanjaya/CTC, Evi Ihsan/CTC