Indonesia has designated the waters around the islands of Teon, Nila and Serua in the Moluccas as a marine protected area. According to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, KKP, which announced the designation on 13 September 2026, the area covers 683,826.89 hectares — approximately 6,838 square kilometres. It lies in Central Maluku regency in Indonesia.
Coral reefs, seagrass and hammerheads
The designation is based on Ministerial Decision No. 67 of 2026, issued on 2 September. The ministry identifies coral reefs, seagrass beds and fish spawning grounds as important habitats. It also explicitly lists habitat for hammerhead sharks. The announcement does not specify which hammerhead species occur there.
Management involving coastal communities
The regional government is to manage the area through a dedicated conservation unit and involve local people. Scientific studies and public consultations were among the steps preceding the designation. Conservation organisation YKAN also supported the process.
KKP links conservation with sustainable fisheries and marine tourism intended to benefit local communities. The designation is to contribute to Indonesia’s goal of protecting 30 percent of its marine area by 2045.