From the vibrant reefs of Bali to the deep-blue waters of Banda, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) continues to work hand in hand with local authorities to protect Indonesia’s marine ecosystems. In September 2025, two important Resource Utilization Monitoring (RUM) activities took place in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the Ay–Rhun MPA in Banda, demonstrating ongoing collaboration to ensure that marine resources are managed sustainably and responsibly.

On 15–16 September 2025, CTC joined the Nusa Penida MPA Management Unit, UPTD Bali MPA, SatPol PP Bali Province, and the Bali Province Tourism Office to conduct routine surveillance and monitoring activities both on the water and from the air. 

The main patrol on 16 September was led by Ni Made Swastini from the Bali MPA and supported by CTC and relevant enforcement agencies. The team monitored the use of marine zones across the 20,057-hectare conservation area, ensuring compliance with existing regulations while recording all user activities. The patrol recorded a total of 44 users consisting of 41 tourism fleets and 3 fisheries fleets, with 112 marine tourism participants and 3 fishermen landing a combined catch of 14 kilograms. While most users complied with the zoning system, three violations were found: two tourism boats operating within the Tanjung Samuh core zone and one tourism activity in the Ped sacred zone.

Complementing this sea patrol, routine drone surveillance was conducted on 15 September to observe activity at popular tourism sites from above. The aerial monitoring provided valuable insight into vessel density and operator compliance. 

The drone captured 74 boats at Manta Point during two flight sessions and identified 11 violations involving boats dropping off or picking up guests within 50 meters of the manta cleaning station, a critical area for the health of these gentle giants. It also recorded 55 boats in Crystal Bay, another high-traffic tourism site. 

Favorable weather and calm sea conditions allowed the team to complete a full route around Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.Observations showed increasing awareness and cooperation among tourism operators and fishermen. The continued presence of UPTD Bali MPA and CTC teams in the field has played an important role in promoting compliance and understanding of zoning rules, including Bali Provincial Regulation No. 7 of 2021 on marine business service levies.

Meanwhile, on 29 September 2025, CTC supported the Cabang Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan GP VI Kepulauan Banda in carrying out a RUM activity in the Ay and Rhun Islands MPA. This effort involved collaboration with multiple partners, including PSDKP Banda, Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional Kupang Satker TWP Laut Banda, the Marine and Air Police Unit (Polairud), the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL–Pos Banda), the Banda Sub-District Military Command (Koramil 1502/01 Banda), Subdistrict Office staff, UPTD P3 Banda, and village police officers from Pulau Ay. 

The monitoring covered both mobile and fixed resource uses and successfully recorded 14 mobile users consisting of 13 fishermen and one tourism activity. In addition, seven fixed utilizations were identified, including four fish aggregating devices (rumpon) and three mooring buoy. No violations were recorded, resulting in a 100 percent compliance rate. During the survey, the team also sighted whales and a pod of dolphins, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the Banda Islands, although their exact species have yet to be identified.

Alongside data collection, the team conducted outreach sessions with local communities to raise awareness about the MPA status of Ay and Rhun Islands, zoning systems, sustainable fishing practices, and environmentally responsible tourism. These activities aimed to build understanding and strengthen community participation in marine protection.

Through these two activities, CTC and its partners continue to demonstrate that effective marine protection requires not only consistent monitoring but also collaboration, innovation, and education. By combining sea patrols, drone technology, and community engagement, both the Nusa Penida and Ay–Rhun MPAs are setting strong examples of how coordinated efforts can preserve Indonesia’s marine biodiversity while supporting the sustainable livelihoods of the people who depend on it.

Writer: Asia Salsabilla, Marthen Welly, Purwanto

Photos: Cikal Qalnar/CTC