Raja Ampat Research Articles

Determining Tourism Area Using TOPSIS Analysis in the Dampier Strait Conservation Area

The Dampier Strait regional conservation area is one of the conservation areas included in the Raja Ampat Regency marine conservation area, which has high potential for developing tourism activities. The most important aspect in the use of natural resources for tourism purposes is their suitability to support tourism activities. The challenge faced is the difficulty if the potential for beach tourism, snorkeling and diving to be developed simultaneously. The aim of this research is to determine areas for ecotourism and recommend appropriate locations. Data analysis is determining ecotourism areas using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). TOPSIS is used because it is able to rank the selected alternatives that are closest to the positive ideal and furthest from the negative ideal solution. The criteria used are tourist carrying capacity, accommodation, accessibility, number of international tourists, number of domestic tourists and suitability area. The results of this TOPSIS analysis are that Sauwandarek, Marandanweser and Arborek are areas that can be used as an alternative area for carrying out beach tourism, snorkeling and diving activities. Areas that can be developed into ecotourism activities are Yeben Kecil and Tanjung Putus.

Analysis of the Social, Economic, and Ecological Impact of Mining Activities of PT. Gag Nickel on Society and Coral Reef Ecosystem in Gag Island, Raja Ampat District

This study analyses the social, economic, and ecological impact of PT. Gag Nickel mining activities on the society and coral reef ecosystem in Gag Island, Raja Ampat district. The data was obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and questionnaires distributed to employees of PT. Gag Nikel and the surrounding community. The results of the research show that the presence of P.T. Gag Nikel has improved the income and well-being of the local population, with the majority of the population working as employees of the company. However, mining activities also cause damage to coral reef ecosystems, including soil erosion, sedimentation, and marine water pollution. In conclusion, in order to better sustainability, increased commitment of companies in managing environmental impacts and public involvement in decision-making related to mining activities is required. This research provides important insights for mining companies and other stakeholders in managing the impact of mining activities sustainably.

Insights into the visitations of oceanic manta rays at cleaning stations on coral reefs in the Bird's Head Seascape, eastern Indonesia

The globally endangered oceanic manta ray Mobula birostris is believed to spend significantly more time in the open ocean than in coastal areas. Nonetheless, the Bird's Head Seascape (BHS) in eastern Indonesia hosts a large population of this species (over 850 individuals), frequently sighted at coral reef cleaning stations and forming a vital asset for marine tourism in the region. Despite this, detailed understanding of the movements and habitat use of this wide-ranging species within shallow (< 30 m) coral reef ecosystems remains limited. Addressing this knowledge gap is urgently required for the sustainable management of oceanic manta ray-focused tourism in the region. Here, we report the results of an initial passive acoustic telemetry study investigating the use of coral reef cleaning stations by oceanic manta rays. Forty-one rays were acoustically tracked from February 2016 to August 2019 in an array of 28 acoustic receivers deployed at known cleaning stations and hypothesized transit points across the BHS (including the regions of Raja Ampat, Fakfak, and Kaimana). A total of 5,822 detections were recorded by 16 of the 28 receivers from all tagged individuals, and 421 visitation events were documented from 37 out of the 41 tagged individuals, providing valuable insights into their visitation patterns at cleaning stations. Tagged individuals were detected at receiver stations for durations ranging from 0.2 to 427.0 min (mean ± SD = 48 ± 64 min). Notably, 94% of detections were recorded during daylight hours (reaching a peak at noon), underscoring an apparent diurnal pattern in time spent around cleaning stations. The study documented frequent short-range movements between adjacent receivers (5–12 km apart), with two-thirds of all 191 tracked movements occurring between neighboring stations in southern Raja Ampat. Notably, tagged individuals were detected repeatedly at three cleaning stations which were previously only known for hosting reef manta rays, suggesting oceanic manta rays likely also utilize these cleaning stations. Our study provides important insights into the visitations and local movements of oceanic manta rays between coral reef cleaning stations, which will inform effective oceanic manta ray conservation efforts and tourism management in the BHS.

DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Analysis of Commercially Important Groupers (Serranidae) in Raja Ampat using gene marker Cytochrome c Oxidase I (COI)

DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Analysis of Commercially Important Groupers (Serranidae) in Raja Ampat using gene marker Cytochrome c Oxidase I (COI)

Does user-generated video content motivate individuals to visit a destination? A non-visitor typology

Νon-visitors comprise a lucrative but underexplored segment in the tourism literature. This study fills a research gap on non-visitors by proposing a new typology contributing to a better understanding of their travel motivations and intentions to visit or not a destination, after being exposed to user-generated video content online. Semi-structured in-depth interviews facilitated via two tourist videos of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, available on YouTube, were conducted with 31 Indonesians and 30 British non-visitors. Findings indicate the presence of five types of non-visitors based on travel motivations: neophiles, nationalists, narcissists, volunteers, and reluctant non-goers. The study contributes to a better understanding of non-visitors’ motivations across different cultures and sheds some light on how user-generated video content shapes visit intentions among those who have never visited a destination. In practical terms, the study offers prudent knowledge on enhancing the possibility that non-visitors will turn into goers.

Implementasi Teknologi Genetika Untuk Konservasi Spesies Laut Terancam: Tinjauan Literatur Tentang Metode dan Keberhasilan

The pace of global environmental change and the intensification of human activities have put significant pressure on marine ecosystems, threatening the sustainability of many species that are important both for ecosystems and the economies of coastal communities. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the application of genetic technologies in the conservation of endangered marine species, focusing on environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, CRISPR genetic engineering techniques and population genetic analysis. The method used was a literature review that examined current academic sources related to genetic technologies and their implementation in conservation. Findings show that eDNA is a highly effective tool in species and habitat monitoring, and has been successful in specific cases such as Napoleon fish and green turtles in Raja Ampat. In contrast, CRISPR techniques offer the potential to improve the genetic resilience of species, despite significant regulatory and ethical challenges. The implications of this study emphasize the need for strong policy support and international collaboration to address these challenges and optimize the use of genetic technologies in more effective conservation strategies in the future.

Human dispersal and plant processing in the Pacific 55 000–50 000 years ago

The dynamics of our species’ dispersal into the Pacific remains intensely debated. The authors present archaeological investigations in the Raja Ampat Islands, north-west of New Guinea, that provide the earliest known evidence for humans arriving in the Pacific more than 55 000–50 000 years ago. Seafaring simulations demonstrate that a northern equatorial route into New Guinea via the Raja Ampat Islands was a viable dispersal corridor to Sahul at this time. Analysis of faunal remains and a resin artefact further indicates that exploitation of both rainforest and marine resources, rather than a purely maritime specialisation, was important for the adaptive success of Pacific peoples.

Enhancing sustainable waste management in Raja Ampat: Assessing the waste bank model's effectiveness in the face of socioeconomic challenges

Background: This study investigates the execution and obstacles of waste management in Raja Ampat Regency using the Bank Sampah mechanism, which has been in operation in Waisai City since 2013. The research findings indicate that the primary challenges in the administration of Bank Sampah in Raja Ampat are the recurring turnover of management, resulting in outstanding debts to customers and a significant reliance on support from the local government. Furthermore, the waste segregation method has not been well executed, and the primary incentive for community participation is of the financial kind. Methods: This study employed qualitative approaches to evaluate the efficacy of the Waste Bank model in Raja Ampat Regency. The study was carried out for a duration of six months, specifically from January to June, in Waisai City, which serves as the hub for waste management and tourism endeavors. Findings: Nevertheless, Bank Sampah continues to be the most efficient waste management approach in Raja Ampat Regency. This study suggests implementing enhanced management practices and providing ongoing coaching, along with fostering greater collaboration between the Environmental Agency and pertinent government departments, in order to enhance community engagement. Conclusion: It is suggested that educating people about the significance of waste segregation and engaging the Government Bank as a custodian of consumer funds are further steps to enhance efficiency. The objective of this research is to offer practical assistance to local governments and other stakeholders on how to adopt waste management strategies that are both more effective and sustainable in tourism zones. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the implementation and challenges of the Waste Bank model in Raja Ampat, a region heavily impacted by tourism and population growth. By highlighting the unique socio economic hurdles and the importance of community engagement, this research provides practical insights for enhancing sustainable waste management in similar tourism-dependent areas.

Ararem Accounting in the Marriage System of the Betew Kafdarun Tribe Community, Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua Province

Ararem Accounting in the Marriage System of the Betew Kafdarun Tribe Community, Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua Province

Compositional analysis of invertebrate communities in Raja Ampat conservation zones using environmental DNA (eDNA)

Raja Ampat conservation area is divided into three zones: the core zone, the tourism zone, and the open zone. This region is crucial for sustainable fisheries and environmental management, yet it is under significant anthropogenic pressure. Accurate species detection is essential for inventory and diversity surveys, and environmental DNA (eDNA) methods have been shown to be more effective than conventional techniques. This study aimed to evaluate whether V9 primers could detect multispecies invertebrate compositions, assess community structure and contributions within each zone, and identify significant differences in invertebrate diversity among the zones. A total of 66 eDNA samples were collected from water and sediment columns across the three zones. Samples were extracted using the NucleoSpin™ kit (Macherey-Nagel) protocol, amplified with universal eukaryote primers targeting the 18S gene, and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Taxonomic analysis was performed using QIIME2 software and the SILVA database. The study identified 19 invertebrate species. The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Simpson (D) indices revealed greater species diversity in the core zone compared to the tourism and open zones. However, the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated no significant differences in species diversity across the zones. SIMPER analysis demonstrated a high percent contribution of species in each zone. This study highlights the effectiveness of eDNA methods for biodiversity assessment and offers valuable insights into invertebrate community structures within the Raja Ampat conservation area.

THE DIALECTIC OF ISLAMIC LITERACY AND ADAT CONSERVATION: REMOTE COMMUNITY RECEPTION OF HADITHS IN THE KHUTBAH NAGA MANUSCRIPT OF WEST PAPUA

This study seeks to explore the pattern of hadith reception in the da’wah practices within the Muslim community of Lilinta, Raja Ampat. In particular, it aims to explore how the hadith text, articulated in Arabic, continues to influence local behaviors, beliefs and customs, despite the community’s lack of cognitive understanding of the language. Employing the living hadith approach and adopting Stuart Hall’s reception theory, this study reveals that Lilinta community demonstrates a habitus pattern of ‘negotiation’ in hadith reception. This study found that while on the one hand the redaction of the hadith was not literally understood by the local Muslims, but the essence of hadith was practiced as cultural doctrines. The pattern of hadith transformation suggests that the hadith and its practices co-exist on divergent paths. Practice transpires through doctrinal channels, while the narrative remains misunderstood. This communal-practical living hadith, grounded in habitus rather than cognition, culmi­nates in robust, albeit static traditions. This study concludes that hadith effectively molds the behavior and beliefs of the Lilinta community when viewed from the practiced behaviors over cognitive understanding.

Communication Accommodation of Raja Ampat Students in Yogyakarta for Dispelling Negative Stereotypes

In the realm of intercultural communication, the necessity of adjusting becomes apparent for fostering harmonious interactions. However, not everyone adeptly navigates these adjustments, leading to instances of discord. Some cases emerge among Papuan students in Yogyakarta, where some are labeled as disruptive, thereby contributing to negative stereotypes held by the broader Yogyakarta community. This study delves into the accommodation communication strategies employed by students from Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua as a proactive response to counteracting these negative stereotypes. Employing a qualitative approach, the research incorporates in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation methods for data collection. The analysis follows a descriptive research method, offering insights into the communication accommodations devised by Raja Ampat students to address negative stereotypes prevalent in Yogyakarta. The findings highlight substantial convergence efforts by Raja Ampat students, spanning language usage, communication styles, behaviors, and communal activities. Concurrently, the students also engage in deliberate divergences to preserve their cultural identity. Through these adjustments, Raja Ampat students foster positive relationships, enhance interactive experiences, and contribute to a more adaptable perspective among the people of Yogyakarta regarding information surrounding negative stereotypes.

The contribution of coastal women to enhance family economics: Case Study of the Ayau Islands, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua Province

The contribution of women in fisheries at the Ayau Archipelago is vital, this evidence can be regarded in their important role in family. This study aims to examine the contribution of coastal women in improving family economics. The methods used are interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). Our study revealed that their level education are mostly at elementary graduates. Our compiled data analysis listed that their low level graduation are shown in the following list: Meosbekwan Village 60%, Rutum 67%, Abidon 100% and Reni 88%. In addition, they are housewives and helping husband in the various role in order to have additional incomes by producing salted fish, dry sea cucumbers, and sea worms product. Finally, they performed a significant alternative income between IDR 3,000,000 and IDR 5,000,000.00 per month.

Healthy Living Movement Assistance to Maintain Dental and Oral Health in Children: A Community Service at SD Negeri 15 Fafanlap, South Misool District, Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia

Optimal dental and oral health is an important aspect in children's growth and development. However, in remote areas such as South Misool, Raja Ampat, access to dental health information and services is still limited. This encourages the need for community service to increase awareness and practice of maintaining dental and oral health in children. This community service was carried out at SD Negeri 15 Fafanlap involving 120 students in grades 1-6. The methods used include: (1) interactive education about dental and oral health, (2) demonstration and training on correct tooth brushing practices, (3) distribution of free brushes and toothpaste, (4) simple dental examinations, and (5) monitoring periodically for 6 months. After the intervention, there was a significant increase in students' knowledge about dental and oral health. The ability to brush teeth properly also increases rapidly, as indicated by a reduction in dental plaque. In addition, positive behavioral changes occurred with increased frequency of tooth brushing and use of fluoride toothpaste. This community service succeeded in increasing awareness, knowledge and practice of maintaining oral health among children at SD Negeri 15 Fafanlap. It is hoped that the continuation of the program and replication in other areas will have a wider impact on the dental and oral health of Indonesian children.

Beyond Needles: Pioneering Pediatric Care with Virtual Reality (VR) for TIVAD Access in Oncology.

Pediatric oncology patients use totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) to enable central venous access. Anxiety, pain and/or discomfort are common despite anesthesia. Virtual reality (VR) is a non-pharmacological approach that may reduce pain and anxiety in these patients. We aimed to assess the use of VR for reducing anxiety/pain in patients with TIVADs while facilitating the task of healthcare providers when accessing a TIVAD. patients 4-18 years old with a TIVAD were prospectively randomized to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). In the IG, VR goggles (Oculus Quest 2, Meta Platforms®, Menlo Park, CA, USA) were used displaying a relaxing video in the Raja Ampat environment (Ecosphere app from Phoria®) while the TIVAD was accessed. The CG was managed as per standard of care. Satisfaction and pain were measured by FPS-R and STAIC scales, respectively. this is the report of a prospective, randomized (60 per group)-unblinded-, single institution study of 120 pediatric oncology patients enrolled from January to April 2022. Median ages for IG and CG were 9.22 and 10.52 years, respectively. Satisfaction was higher in the IG (4.80) compared to the CG (3.92), p ≤ 0.0001. Regarding pain, mean FPS-R scores were 1.79 for the CG and 0.83 for the IG. Significantly different scores were found in the 12 to 18 years group, p ≤ 0.05. The healthcare professionals index of satisfaction was high (4.50 mean Likert score) for the IG compared to accessing the TIVAD without VR (3.73 mean Likert score). The use of VR helped reduce pain and/or discomfort in pediatric oncology patients, mainly in the older age group as they can better interact with VR. Healthcare providers were satisfied with the help of VR for TIVAD management.

Analysis of Impacts Due to The Grounding Vessels around Raja Ampat Islands

Abstract The author titled “Analysis of Impact Due to The Grounding Vessels around Raja Ampat Island” describes about the socio-economic and cultural impacts that arise as the result of human error in maritime sector. This writing aims to identify the impacts due to the grounding of vessels around Raja Ampat Islands. The author conducted research studies related to several incidents of vessels which crashed the coral reefs and aground around waters of Raja Ampat islands. The writer uses descriptive method and qualitative approach in collecting data by library research, observation, and interview. The data which were collected from various sources of both literatures and information from interview are analysed by qualitative analysis method. The result of this research shows some impacts identified as the result of the grounding vessels around Raja Ampat islands. The social impacts occurred in the form of reduction/loss of coral reef biodiversity and the damage to marine environmental ecosystem. Meanwhile, economically the grounding of these vessels results costs for resolving environmental disputes; environmental damage mitigation and restoration costs; as well as the value of social and cultural ecological benefits for the ecosystem and society of the Raja Ampat islands. Furthermore, economic impact also occur on the vessels which were aground such as costs for towing, repairing the vessel, and compensation for Raja Ampat government.

First Documented Courtship Behavior between Mobula birostris and M. alfredi at a Coral Reef Cleaning Station in Misool, Raja Ampat

Though a previous study in Sudan confirmed the existence of a living hybrid of an oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) and a reef manta ray (M. alfredi), courtship behaviors between the two closely related species have never been documented. Here we report the first observation of courtship behaviors between two male M. birostris and a female M. alfredi at a manta ray cleaning station on a shallow coral reef seamount in Misool, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The observed courtship event lasted for approximately 45 min and involved one male oceanic manta actively chasing the mature reef manta female around the cleaning station and repeatedly bumping her on the left wing tip with his right cephalic lobe, while the second male continuously flanked the female to seemingly prevent her retreat from the cleaning station and potential evasion of the pursuing male. Notably, the female exhibited a rapid coloration change, likely indicative of courtship-related stress, transitioning from the striking pale hue she exhibited throughout the courtship activity to a normal chevron pattern once the males departed.

Five Centuries of Settlement Dynamics and Mobility in the Northern Raja Ampat Islands of West Papua

ABSTRACT We explore changes to settlement and mobility in the northern Raja Ampat Islands (Waigeo, Gam, and Batanta) over the past five centuries, a time when speakers of several Austronesian languages were moving throughout the archipelago. The evidence shows: (1) some settlement relocations were rapid, occurring within a generation, while other settlements remained fixed for hundreds of years; and (2) there were numerous clan and family scale movements that led to high levels of intermarriage between language groups and settlements. The results demonstrate that far from being a place of stasis caught between the worlds of Maluku and New Guinea, Raja Ampat settlement and mobility were highly dynamic. This dynamism prompts us to rethink the relationship between today’s settlement locations, their language affiliations, and the meta-narratives about their recent population histories. We propose that the deeper past of Raja Ampat may have also been characterized by dynamic movement and social flux.

Updating the Cetacean Species List of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, with Additional Sightings of the Rarely Documented Omura’s Whale (Balaenoptera omurai)

Updating the Cetacean Species List of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, with Additional Sightings of the Rarely Documented Omura’s Whale (Balaenoptera omurai)

Stony Corals and Their Associated Fauna Residing in Marine Lakes under Extreme Environmental Conditions

Tropical marine lakes are small land-locked marine waterbodies occurring in karstic coastal areas. During biodiversity surveys in 12 marine lakes in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua province, Indonesia, we recorded at least 37 species belonging to 29 genera of hard corals. Their observed associated symbiont fauna consisted of bivalve molluscs and polychaete worms. Marine lake temperature ranged from 30.0 to 32.5 °C, acidity from pH 7.6 to 8.1, and salinity from 26.4 to 33.2 ppt. This study provides the first inventory of the marginal coral communities in the extreme habitat of marine lakes, under chronic extreme environmental conditions of higher temperatures, land-based nutrient loads, and sedimentation.