Scientific Expedition Confirms Indonesia's Largest Dugong Habitat Near Maluku Islands

Marine conservation zones established in Indonesia's Southwest Maluku, encompassing the Romang and Demar Islands, have demonstrated globally significant ecological health following a scientific expedition conducted between October 3 and November 3, 2025. The expedition confirmed robust indicators across the ecosystem, noting the excellent condition of the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests in the region, which the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) acknowledged as vital despite historically receiving less governmental attention.

Researchers documented a rich array of marine fauna, including dolphins, sharks, turtles, and whales, but the most significant finding was the identification of the largest known dugong habitat within Indonesia near Romang Island. The expedition recorded an impressive count of 32 dugongs, a concentration considered rare on a global scale. Furthermore, the 2025 survey documented the appearance of orcas and identified ancient coral reef structures estimated to be hundreds of years old in this area.

This specific locale is critically important as it functions as a designated migration corridor for a minimum of 24 marine species that are currently protected or endangered, situated at the nexus of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Indonesian governing bodies are actively integrating these scientific findings into regional management strategies. The KKP Director General of Marine Management, Koswara, affirmed the area's strategic role in maintaining marine ecosystem resilience and supporting coastal communities. This commitment is further evidenced by the recent designation of the adjacent West Wetar waters as the West Wetar Marine Park, covering 325,238.02 hectares via a Decree of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Number 89 of 2025, dated December 31, 2025.

Conservation planning in this rich environment, which is part of the Banda Ecoregion—the second most critical area in the Coral Triangle—is focused on balancing rigorous ecological preservation with securing economic advantages for local populations through sustainable ecotourism models. Officials are formulating funding mechanisms to channel conservation achievements into regional economic development, aligning with broader Indonesian MPA policy for sustainable utilization.

Despite these advancements, this vital ecological zone faces persistent threats from destructive fishing methods, pervasive plastic pollution, and entanglement risks from ghost nets. The global classification of the dugong (Dugon dugon) as Vulnerable, often due to bycatch in fishing nets, underscores the necessity of effective safeguarding. Securing the future of this biodiversity hotspot requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder management framework, building upon existing efforts like the GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project in nearby districts.