Why Are We Not Taking Care of the Gili Matra Marine Park?
Why Are We Not Taking Care of the Gili Matra Marine Park? A Wake-Up Call for the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—have long been known for their stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. They are part of the Gili Matra Marine Park, a protected area designated by the Indonesian government to preserve the rich biodiversity and ecological balance of the region. But despite this designation and the rules that come with it, the marine park is under increasing threat from unchecked development, illegal construction, and environmental neglect.
The question we must all ask ourselves is this: Why are we not taking care of our marine park?
A Marine Park in Name, But Not in Practice?
Established in 1993 and reinforced by Indonesian law, the Gili Matra Marine Park was supposed to safeguard the delicate ecosystems that support the tourism and fishing industries of the Gili Islands. In theory, being within a marine park brings with it obligations—permits for businesses (like the SIUPKK), restrictions on building near the shoreline, proper waste management systems, and conservation-driven practices for all commercial activities.
But in practice, enforcement has been weak. The past two years have seen a series of government declarations that should have turned the tide for Gili Matra. Among them, a decision that land certificates could no longer be transferred under individual names and that all land within the three islands was officially designated as conservation land. It was a bold move intended to curb speculative land grabs and unregulated development. However, instead of halting destructive activities, this decision became a catalyst for a new wave of exploitation.
The Rise of Loopholes and the Decline of Enforcement
Almost immediately after the government announcement, real estate brokers, foreign investors, and property consultants scrambled to find legal workarounds. Some set up nominee structures. Others pushed developments through unclear local bureaucratic channels. Suddenly, small pieces of paradise were once again for sale—new villas, beachfront restaurants, beach walls, and Instagrammable cafés sprouted up across the islands.
This isn’t just a matter of minor construction here and there. These developments often ignore environmental impact assessments, lack proper wastewater systems, and violate marine park regulations that prohibit permanent structures within the beach set-back zone. Sand is being compacted, coral rubble is used as construction material, and mangroves—critical to shoreline protection—are being removed.
Money Over Marine Life
At the heart of the problem is a tragic equation: short-term profit vs. long-term sustainability. Investors and developers, both local and foreign, are focused on the now. They see the Gili Islands as a place to make money—build quickly, sell quickly, rent out immediately. In this mindset, the pristine environment is just a backdrop for marketing. It is not something to be nurtured or preserved; it’s a tool to be exploited.
The irony is painful. The coral reefs and marine life are the reason why people come to the Gili Islands. Without them, the tourism industry would collapse. Tourists don’t fly across the world to see beach walls and concrete structures—they come for the turtles, the clownfish, the dazzling coral gardens. But these are disappearing. And fast.
Overfishing, pollution, sedimentation from construction, and untreated wastewater are choking the reefs. Coral bleaching events are no longer rare. Trash is a constant problem. And yet, more beachfront is cleared, more guesthouses are built, and more sewage quietly flows into the ocean.
Where Are the Authorities?
One might ask: where is the government? Where is BKKPN Kupang, the agency tasked with managing the marine park? Where are the sanctions for businesses operating without the mandatory SIUPKK permits? Where are the controls to stop illegal construction?
The truth is sobering. In many cases, local government bodies are underfunded, undertrained, and overburdened. Even when inspections occur, they are often symbolic. Enforcement is patchy at best and non-existent at worst. Meanwhile, some developers exploit the lack of oversight, greasing the wheels with bribes or relying on powerful connections to push projects forward.
The marine park is being sacrificed not because the law is unclear—but because the law is not enforced.
A Collective Blindness—or Selective Vision?
What’s most troubling is the collective silence. Many business owners, developers, and even local residents are turning a blind eye. Some may not fully understand the long-term consequences, but many do—and choose to ignore them.
Why?
Because money is the loudest voice in the room.
Money brings influence, comfort, and the illusion of progress. A new beachfront bar might look like development. A new villa might feel like growth. But what is being traded in return? A dying reef? A poisoned bay? A future without tourists?
Sustainability is not about stopping development—it’s about responsible development. It’s about understanding that the islands have limits, that the environment must be protected if the economy is to survive. It’s about thinking 10, 20, 50 years ahead—not just until the next high season.
Consequences We Can’t Ignore
The signs are already there:
Coral death is becoming more common in shallow reefs.
Marine biodiversity is declining as pollution and boat traffic increase.
Beach erosion is accelerating due to illegal seawalls and mangrove removal.
Waste management systems are overwhelmed—plastic, sewage, and chemicals enter the ocean daily.
Turtles, once abundant around Gili Meno, are now seen less frequently.
Divers are starting to notice: fewer fish, more algae, more trash.
If this continues, the Gili Islands will become another cautionary tale of a paradise lost to greed.
What Needs to Change?
It’s not too late—but the window for action is closing. Here's what needs to happen:
Enforce the Marine Park Laws
The existing regulations under Marine Park Law 85 are clear. They must be enforced. SIUPKK permits should be mandatory for all marine-based businesses. Illegal constructions must be dealt with fairly but firmly—regardless of who owns them.Moratorium on New Coastal Developments
Until a full environmental assessment is completed and waste management infrastructure is upgraded, no new development should be allowed in coastal and beachfront zones.Empower Local Conservation Efforts
Dive shops, NGOs, universities, and residents who care about the environment should be supported. Conservation shouldn’t be a PR stunt—it must be embedded in the island culture and economy.Educate Investors and Developers
Many investors are unaware of the ecological fragility of the islands. They need clear guidelines, transparent processes, and a reminder that sustainable tourism is the only path to lasting profits.Hold Brokers and Agents Accountable
Property agents who promote illegal land sales and shady development projects must be held responsible. Misleading buyers into violating conservation rules hurts the entire community.Include the Local Community
Conservation must benefit everyone. Locals need to be part of the solution—not pushed aside. Offer training, fair job opportunities, and leadership roles in marine protection initiatives.
The Future of Gili Matra Is In Our Hands
The Gili Islands are still beautiful. But beauty is fragile.
Marine parks are not decorations—they are lifelines. They provide food, jobs, and natural protection from storms and erosion. They are homes to thousands of marine species, many of which are now endangered. They are the soul of the Gili Islands.
We must protect them—not just for the turtles or the coral, but for ourselves, our children, and the generations that hope to enjoy this slice of paradise.
Let us not be the generation that let the Gili Islands fade.
Let us be the one that woke up.
Final Thought
If you’re reading this and you’re a business owner, a developer, a tourist, or even a long-time resident, ask yourself: What am I doing to protect Gili Matra?
Because in the end, we are all stewards of this marine park. And if we don't protect it, no one else will.
And then, it will be gone. Not with a bang—but with silence. The silence of dead reefs, empty dive sites, and tourists who no longer return.
Let’s not wait for that day. Let’s act—now.
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