RRI.CO.ID, Raja Ampat - Indonesia's Tourism Minister, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, continued her second day of working visits to Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua. Her coming is to review the world-class tourism destination governance and the readiness for the revalidation of Raja Ampat's UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) status.

Raja Ampat is scheduled to undergo a revalidation process by a UNESCO assessor team in August 2026. This process is a comprehensive assessment to determine the sustainability of Raja Ampat's UNESCO Global Geopark status.

While visiting the Piaynemo Geosite on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Minister underscored that UNESCO Global Geopark status is not merely international recognition, but a long-term commitment to maintaining the region's sustainability.

"Global geopark status must be maintained through strong governance, effective conservation, and local community involvement," she said. The Minister affirmed the importance of synergy between environmental protection, governance strengthening, and local community empowerment so that the benefits of tourism can be felt sustainably.

During the visit, the Minister of Tourism also visited the Arborek Tourism Village, which received the 2021 Indonesian Tourism Village Award (ADWI). Arborek Village is conside red an example of ecotourism development that integrates community economic growth with cultural and marine ecosystem preservation.

"Arborek Village is living proof that ecotourism is not just a concept on paper. Here, we see how the community can empower itself economically without neglecting ancestral heritage and marine sustainability. Arborek's success should be an inspiration for other tourist villages in Indonesia," the Minister mentioned.

Concluding her visit to Kri Island, Meos Mansar District, Tourism Minister Widiyanti, reviewed the shark conservation program at Sorido Bay Resort. On the occasion, the Minister named one of the zebra shark eggs, currently incubating and soon to hatch, "Putri."

According to a release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the naming symbolizes hope for the continued growth of sustainable marine life in Raja Ampat waters and reinforces the importance of marine ecosystem conservation for future generations.

The Minister also encouraged all stakeholders to share a sense of responsibility and ownership in maintaining the sustainability of Raja Ampat as a leading global destination. "Our shared responsibility for Raja Ampat is to ensure that this beauty remains vibrant, sustainable, and provides benefits for current and future generations," he said.