VOICED : The dark side of Indonesia's new tourism hotspot

Raja Ampat, an archipelago in Indonesia, is renowned for its stunning biodiversity, hosting 1,400 fish species and 600 coral species. The government aims to boost tourism, but locals worry about environmental and cultural impacts. A recent incident saw a cruise ship damage a large coral reef area. Indigenous people advocate for eco-friendly tourism to protect their paradise.

What makes Raja Ampat one of the most biodiverse marine habitats on the planet?

• The number of tourists visiting annually

• Its location near the equator

• The presence of 1400 types of fish and 600 species of coral

• Its large size of 67,000 square kilometers

What is the Indonesian government's hope for Raja Ampat?

• To use it for scientific research

• To restrict access to only local residents

• To develop it into a major tourist destination

• To preserve it as a natural reserve

What concern do residents have about the push for tourism in Raja Ampat?

• It will reduce the number of fish species

• It will lead to overcrowding

• It will increase the cost of living

• It will harm the environment and culture

What incident highlighted the need for eco-friendly tourism in Raja Ampat?

• A decline in fish population

• An increase in plastic waste

• A large oil spill

• The destruction of coral reefs by a cruise ship

What do indigenous Papuans hope for the future of tourism in Raja Ampat?

• That it will be banned completely

• That it will focus on cultural tourism

• That it will become eco-friendly

• That it will be limited to certain areas