Indonesia: Shark fishing ban in Raja Ampat continues to be violated

Antara 22 Dec 18;

Waisai (ANTARA News) - Shark fishing activities in the waters of Raja Ampat District in West Papua Province continue unabated despite a prohibition through the Regional Regulation (Perda).

"Shark fishing activities still take place in the Raja Ampat waters, despite a regional regulation on the ban on shark capture," Raja Ampat youth leader Ferdinand Dimara remarked here on Friday.

Hence, Dimara has urged the Raja Ampat District Government to continue to disseminate information on the regional regulation on the ban on shark fishing, so that it is truly understood by the local community.

According to Dimara, the local government and all tourism stakeholders in Raja Ampat must participate in increasing the understanding of members of the community, so that they do not catch sharks in order to facilitate the development of tourism potential.

Dimara explained that shark catching activities are nothing new and have been carried out since generations and become a livelihood before Raja Ampat was known as a world tourism destination.

"It requires a process of mentoring from the local government and tourism stakeholders to change the practices of local communities in accordance with the regional regulations," Ferdinand, a member of the Raja Ampat Indonesian Guides Association, stated.

Reporting by Ernes Broning Kakisina
Editing by Otniel Tamindael, Andi Abdussalam
Editor: Heru Purwanto