Indonesia expands marine conservation with TNS Islands zone

Indonesia is expanding its marine conservation efforts through new area designations and a focus on collaborative governance. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has established a 683,826-hectare conservation zone surrounding the Teon, Nila, and Serua (TNS) Islands in the Maluku Tengah District. This new area, protected under Ministerial Decree No. 67/2026, contains vital ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and habitats for hammerhead sharks.

Management of the TNS area will involve local authorities, community members, and development partners. The designation is part of Indonesia’s broader goal to protect 30 percent of its marine territory by 2045. The establishment process included consultations with customary rulers, community leaders, and local fishermen.

Parallel to these physical expansions, a study commissioned by the Coral Triangle Center and conducted by the International Conservation Caucus Foundation Indonesia examines the role of co-management in sustaining marine protected areas (MPAs). The research suggests that achieving Indonesia’s national conservation target of approximately 97 million hectares requires moving beyond simple restrictions to include shared responsibility, resources, and authority among diverse stakeholders to ensure ecological and economic benefits.