Formerly known as irian Jaya, Papua is currently the second-largest island in the world. While it is the biggest island, the territorial of the island is separated as Papua and West Papua. Both boast their natural beauty, which turns into one of the most prominent reasons why the local and Indonesian governments want to keep developing their tourism department.
As a Tourism Site In Eastern Part Of Indonesia
Astounding arrays of beautiful nature drive the local and center government to keep expanding the black pearl’s island tourism potential. Starting from Sorong to Jayapura, there are many emerging tourist hotspots. Sorong and Raja Ampat is one of the biggest destinations in the province due to its position and gateway function.
However, it does not mean the other areas have no potential under the same sector. The potential area is Manokwari, which is the western provincial capital city. The city is located way far from the top of the birds head peninsula. But, the location itself has many to offer which complete the beauty of Sorong, Raja Ampat, and many other places.
Sustainable Tourism Destination Development
Since Papua is known as a place with huge biodiversity, it saves to say that both local and Indonesia center governments want to maintain its conservation. Almost 50% of the Indonesian biodiversity comes from the indigenous and forest cover in both Papua and West Papua. That is why sustainable tourism destination was initiated during 2019.
To support the idea, the movement support ecotourism activities. It said that the potential of tourism and the initial declaration to be a conservation province are in line. Thus, some development work with the help of the local community. In this case, the most prominent growth is homestays in Raja Ampat.
The growth states that 70% of the homestays in the marine conservation and tourist destination are managed by the native community. There is also a rising understanding of natural resource conservation tourism. Thus, locations with natural habitats have very strict visitation rules that comply with the local wisdom on preserving its fauna and flora.
Manokwari As The Second Tourism Area
In 2021, there is also a proposal of appointing Manokwari as the second tourism area. The proposal was part of the local government in executing master plan development. It is said that the effort is to develop Manokwari as one of the KSPN or national Tourism Strategic Area after west Papua has Sorong-Raja Ampat.
The movement and idea mostly focus on strengthening the tourism sector, which is one of the backbones of the province economy. It can be said that the province is lacking in many ways. But, highlighting its natural resources, potentials, and tourism will help the province to gain its footing. It is especially true since many locals are also still intact with the natural resources.
Not to mention the vast potential of the location. Manokwari, south Manokwari, and Arfak highland areas have a lot to explore. It also comes with a range of possibilities and potentials. All go to the ranges of diverse culture, unique ecological position, natural beauty, resources, and biodiversity. Thus, tourism in the province is not only centered in raja Ampat.
Indeed, Raja Ampat boasts its geopark, marine biodiversity, and beautiful nature. It also said that the Raja Ampat water has around 600 hard coral species. 75% of them are representing the total coral reef population in the world. There are also thousands of fish species, which give Capital For fish in the world as the Raja Ampat west Papua’s nickname.
Development And What Manokwari Offers
The idea of designating Manokwari as a new tourism center is not without base. There is exponential tourism potential in Manokwari, Arfak Highland, and South Manokwari. Some hallmarks sought after by the tourist are the unique ecological diversity. The location span from the water area to the peak of the mountain.
The city itself is located on top of the Birds head peninsula. It is close to the Cenderawasih Bay with ecological extent from the Doreri Bay, Hills of Arfak Mountain to the south. It is also the second biggest city in the province. That is why the city is a perfect location to boost another tourism destination.
The attractions themselves range from natural parks, historical places, beaches, to many other areas. Taman Agung Meja or the Table mountain park is one of the natural tourists. It boasts a huge assortment of butterflies and birds collection as part of its protected forest area. There are also Pantai Pasir Putih, historical west Papua WW2 planes in Doreri Bay, and many more.
Considering that the two provinces offer a huge array of natural resources and beauty, it is without a doubt that tourism development gain a lot of attention. With sustainable tourist destinations, the development implies the balance of tourist and natural conservation. There are also many developments going on, and one of them is Manokwari as the second tourism center.
