Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni accompanied Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) during a recess working visit to Pulau Weh Nature Park (TWA) in Sabang, Aceh Province, from April 9–10, 2025. The visit aimed to directly observe the utilization of environmental services and the protection of conservation areas in Indonesia’s westernmost region.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Forestry, the delegation was led by Siti Hediati Soeharto (Titiek Soeharto), Chair of Commission IV of the DPR RI, along with several members of the Commission from various factions. The government side was represented by the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), the Director of Environmental Services Utilization for Conservation Areas, the Mayor of Sabang, and representatives from the Aceh Environmental and Forestry Agency.
Titiek Soeharto emphasized the importance of managing Nature Parks (TWA) as part of a national strategy to reach the target of 20 million international tourists and 275 million domestic tourists. “Conservation areas like Pulau Weh TWA must deliver socio-economic benefits to local communities without compromising conservation principles,” she stated.
Pulau Weh TWA has significant potential—not only due to its biodiversity but also because of its national landmarks, such as the Kilometer Zero Monument. The area comprises 1,197 hectares of land and 5,280.2 hectares of sea, and serves as a migratory route for marine mammals such as dolphins, as well as a transit point for migratory birds. The visit included field inspections of snorkeling sites on Rubiah Island and dolphin-watching locations.
During an open discussion at the Kilometer Zero Monument, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni reaffirmed his commitment to resolving conservation governance issues fairly and collaboratively. “How is it that we can’t manage something this small? This is an important icon of the republic. We must sit together and solve this properly—even through customary approaches if needed,” he said, underlining the need for synergy between central and regional governments in managing conservation areas.
Meanwhile, Commission IV member Darori Wonodipuro highlighted the need for clear revenue-sharing arrangements from conservation areas. “My suggestion is that revenues from TWAs be regulated in a Government Regulation: 50% for the central government, 30% for districts/cities, and 20% for the province. This will prevent intergovernmental conflict and ensure that the income goes back into conservation activities,” he asserted.
Pulau Weh Nature Park was designated through Minister of Forestry Decree No. 3919/Menhut-VII/KUH/2014 dated May 14, 2014, regarding the designation of forest areas in the Pulau Weh forest group covering 9,701.74 hectares. The area of Pulau Weh TWA includes 1,201.10 hectares of land and 5,280.20 hectares of sea. Following boundary adjustments for Agrarian Reform Land Objects (TORA) on part of Rubiah Island (4.1 hectares), the land area of Pulau Weh TWA was revised to 1,197 hectares.
Administratively, Pulau Weh TWA is located in Iboih Village, Sukamakmoe Subdistrict, Sabang City, Aceh Province. Access to the park is relatively easy: visitors can take a 45-minute ferry ride from Ule Leu Port to Balohan Port, followed by a 50-minute drive by car or motorcycle to the TWA.
Pulau Weh Nature Park boasts not only rich biodiversity but also attractive tourism features that draw visitors, such as the Kilometer Zero Monument, a landmark in western Indonesia. The natural scenery, including views of the sea and small islands, offers a spectacular experience. Other tourist highlights include diving and snorkeling spots featuring vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. Its marine area is part of a migratory route for marine mammals, including dolphins.
Earlier, Minister Raja Antoni also visited the Jaboi Volcano tourism area in Sabang City. The visit aimed to accelerate the development of social forestry in the Jaboi Mountain area through an Integrated Area Development (IAD) approach, focused on improving community welfare.
To conclude the day’s visit, the Minister expressed hope that the trip would not only strengthen inter-agency synergy but also inspire renewed conservation efforts that balance environmental sustainability with community well-being.
