Large passenger and cruise ships have been banned from docking at Arborek tourist village’s port in Raja Ampat regency, West Papua.

Raja Ampat Transportation Agency head Yohanes B. Rawarin told Antara that the ban was put in place because the sea around the port was very shallow, saying large ships would destroy the surrounding coral reef.

Yohanes said local residents reported that several fish species have disappeared due to docking ships. For this reason, the agency is currently working on a regulation to preserve the reef.

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The regulation will allow certain types of ships to dock at the port and determine the areas for cruise ships to drop anchor, which will allow visitors to dive or snorkel in the waters.

 “If shipping activities in Raja Ampat are not regulated, this little heaven will only remain a story,” Yohanes said. (iru/kes)