Gili Matra: A Marine Park at a Crossroads

A Marine Park at a Crossroads

The Treasure of the Gilis

Marine Park Gili Matra | Gili Islands Indonesia

Nestled in the turquoise waters between Bali and Lombok, Indonesia’s Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—have long been a symbol of tropical paradise. Their appeal lies not only in their white-sand beaches and vibrant hospitality scene but also in the stunning marine life that surrounds them.

Recognizing the need to protect these underwater treasures, the Indonesian government officially designated the waters surrounding the islands as Gili Matra Marine Park. "Matra" stands for Maritime Terrestrial, reflecting the union between the land and sea ecosystems. Gili Matra is among Indonesia’s top marine parks, regulated by national law, and is seen as a model for balancing tourism and conservation.

Yet today, Gili Matra stands at a crossroads, facing significant threats from unsustainable development, mismanagement, and a lack of enforcement. Without decisive action, the marine park risks becoming a cautionary tale rather than a conservation success story.

The Evolution of the Gili Islands: From Fishing to Tourism

Before the tourism boom, the Gili Islands were humble fishing villages. Local livelihoods depended on catching fish and farming seaweed. Life was simple, and the reefs were abundant with life.

However, as word spread about the Gilis’ natural beauty, tourism exploded. By the early 2000s, small fishing villages had transformed into bustling hubs of hotels, dive centers, beach bars, and restaurants. For many locals, this shift was a double-edged sword: while tourism provided far more income than fishing ever could, it also severed ties to traditional livelihoods.

Today, few locals can realistically return to fishing. Overfishing, reef degradation, and shifting economic needs have made the oceans far less fruitful. Tourism became—and remains—the main economic engine. As such, protecting marine life is not a luxury; it is a necessity for the islands' survival.

Responsibilities of a Marine Park

As a designated marine park, Gili Matra comes with significant responsibilities. Indonesian law mandates the protection of marine biodiversity, careful zoning of activities, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices.

Operators, residents, and visitors are expected to respect regulations such as:

• No fishing or spearfishing within protected zones.

• No anchor damage to coral reefs (use of mooring buoys only) within protected zones.

• Responsible snorkeling and diving practices.

• Proper waste management to prevent land-based pollution entering the sea.

These principles are not just guidelines—they are critical lifelines for the marine ecosystems that tourism depends on.

Diving and Snorkeling Operators Under Scrutiny

In recent years, the government introduced stricter requirements for dive centers and snorkeling tour operators. Licensing became more rigorous. Environmental management plans, training on marine conservation, and certifications like the SIUPKK (conservation license for a business)  were increasingly encouraged or mandated.

While these efforts are important, it is fair to question: Are diving and snorkeling operators really the main culprits behind the degradation of marine life?

In reality, most professional dive centers actively contribute to conservation efforts through:

• Coral restoration projects.

• Reef clean-ups.

• Marine life monitoring.

• Environmental education for guests.

Indeed, the majority of damage to Gili Matra’s marine ecosystems comes from land-based pollution, coastal development, and poor waste management, rather than from responsible diving operations.

The Coastal Crisis: Illegal Beach Structures

One of the most visible threats to Gili Matra is coastal encroachment.

In 2017-2018, the Indonesian government enforced laws prohibiting fixed structures within 100 meters of the high tide mark. This law exists to protect beaches, prevent erosion, and preserve natural habitats.

However, recognizing the Gilis’ existing developments, a mutual agreement was reached: a ring road was established around each island, and everything between the road and the sea was to remain free from permanent structures. No new buildings were to be constructed in this zone.

Yet, despite the agreement, over the past several years, numerous businesses have illegally built on the beaches—erecting bars, restaurants, and even villas. Worse, these structures often include:

• Septic tanks buried in the sand.

• Concrete walls to hold back sand and tides.

• Permanent foundations altering the natural landscape.

These developments have multiple harmful effects:

• Increased pH levels in nearby seawater due to leaking waste.

• Disruption of turtle nesting sites (as turtles rely on open, undisturbed beaches).

• Beach erosion caused by interference with natural coastal processes.

  

  Beach Erosion Gili Air

  
  

For many businesses, short-term profit outweighs long-term sustainability. The focus remains on building beachfront locations to maximize revenue, regardless of the environmental consequences.

Meanwhile, businesses actively investing in reef restoration, conservation projects, and sustainable operations find their efforts undermined by neighboring businesses disregarding environmental regulations.

Conservation Land: A New Framework

In light of mounting concerns, the government recently escalated its commitment to protecting the islands.

All land on the Gili Islands is now officially designated as Conservation Land.

This new status brings even stricter regulations.

Moreover, in 2024, new laws specific to small islands like Gili Air were enacted. These laws place hard limits on the number of square meters that can be developed relative to the island’s overall size.

Theoretically, these regulations should help protect the Gili Islands’ fragile ecosystems and ensure that tourism remains sustainable for generations to come.

Construction Boom: A Race Against Regulations

Paradoxically, the announcement of new conservation regulations triggered a construction boom on Gili Air and the other Gilis.

Fearing that this might be their last chance to develop land before stricter enforcement, numerous investors and business owners rushed to build. Many new structures were erected without proper permits or environmental considerations.

The results have been alarming:

• Strain on the islands’ electricity grids (already prone to blackouts).

• Severe pressure on freshwater resources (many wells are now overdrawn or contaminated).

• Overflowing waste water systems that leak untreated sewage into the ground and sea.

• Increased solid waste generation without corresponding improvements in waste management infrastructure.

While the marine park status should have offered a shield against reckless development, poor enforcement allowed violations to continue virtually unchecked.

A Call for Enforcement: Protecting Gili Matra’s Future

If Gili Matra Marine Park is to survive and thrive, the solution is clear: existing laws must be enforced.

Key recommendations include:

1. Immediate inspection of coastal properties to identify and remove illegal structures.

2. Strict penalties for businesses that violate environmental and coastal regulations.

3. Mandatory environmental impact assessments for all new developments.

4. Public transparency on enforcement actions to deter future violations.

5. Capacity-building programs to support sustainable business practices.

6. Collaboration with NGOs and local stakeholders to manage reef restoration and marine conservation efforts.

Protecting Gili Matra is not about stifling economic growth—it is about securing long-term prosperity. Without healthy reefs and marine life, the very foundation of the Gilis’ economy will collapse.

Sustainable Tourism: The Only Way Forward

The Gili Islands have the potential to be a global model for sustainable island tourism.

There are already many inspiring initiatives:

• Coral restoration projects led by dive centers and NGOs.

• Beach clean-ups organized by businesses and volunteers.

• Eco-certifications earned by resorts and dive shops.

• Plastic-free campaigns that significantly reduce marine debris.

• Education programs for visitors and residents on marine conservation.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility

Gili Matra Marine Park is a gift, a responsibility, and a lifeline for the Gili Islands. The beauty and biodiversity of its waters have brought prosperity and recognition. But unchecked development, lack of enforcement, and short-term thinking now threaten everything that made the islands special.

The decisions made today will define the islands’ future. Will the Gili Islands prioritize immediate profit at the cost of their environment, or will they embrace a sustainable vision that ensures a thriving marine park for the next hundred years?

The answer lies not in new laws, but in the courage to enforce the ones we already have—and in a collective commitment to protect the paradise that is Gili Matra.