DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment has intensified oversight of cruise ship movements in national waters as part of efforts to protect coral reef ecosystems from potential damage and marine pollution.
The stricter monitoring comes amid increasing cruise ship activity across several marine tourism destinations. Coral reefs are considered among the most vulnerable ecosystems, with risks ranging from grounding and collisions to pollution linked to maritime operations.
Deputy for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control at the Ministry of Environment, Rasio Ridho Sani, said surveillance has been strengthened for activities that could pose environmental risks.
“We are monitoring activities that have the potential to cause coral reef damage and environmental pollution,” Rasio said on Saturday (31 January 2026).
He explained that the monitoring is carried out through cross-sector coordination, involving the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, to ensure effective control and enforcement.
According to Rasio, shipping companies, including cruise ship operators, are required to carry insurance that serves as a safeguard in the event of environmental damage, including harm to coral reefs. The maritime sector operates under the polluter pays principle, which obliges parties responsible for environmental damage to bear the cost of restoration and recovery.
“We have handled many cases involving oil spills and transport accidents, and these are typically covered by insurance,” he said.
To date, the Ministry of Environment has not received reports of coral reef damage in Bali linked to cruise ship activity. However, authorities emphasized that preventive measures remain a priority, as avoiding damage is considered far more effective than post-incident response.
Bali is one of Indonesia’s main cruise destinations, with vessels regularly docking at Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng and Benoa Port in Denpasar. While cruise tourism contributes to the local economy, officials stressed that environmental risks must be carefully managed.
The ministry is keen to prevent a repeat of past incidents, including a major coral reef collision that occurred in Raja Ampat in March 2017, when a cruise ship struck a reef near Kri Island. The accident caused extensive reef damage, affecting marine ecosystems and local communities that depend on the sea.
Rasio noted that compensation for the Raja Ampat incident was provided through the ship’s insurance, and coral reef restoration was carried out over an area of 3,797 square meters. The case remains a key lesson in managing cruise ship traffic in Indonesia.
Authorities said ongoing supervision will continue to focus on shipping routes, vessel activities, and pollution risks to ensure coral reef protection across Indonesian waters.