Exploring Indonesia’s tourism sector and its natural beauty is an endless journey. Indonesia’s tourism potential is not only defined by its stunning mountain views but also by its beautiful coastal scenery. The beauty of Indonesia’s seas is still an exciting topic to discuss in welcoming and commemorating World Oceans Day every June 8.
As a large archipelagic country, Indonesia has many interesting facts about its sea. Moreover, Indonesia’s waters and marine sector are very rich and diverse. The beautiful sea views in Indonesia have succeeded in attracting the attention of foreign tourists and often receive world recognition.
So, what is the beauty of Indonesia’s sea like? Here are some interesting facts about Indonesian seas that you should be proud of:
The Largest Archipelagic Country
Due to its large area of water, Indonesia is a maritime country known as the largest archipelagic country in the world. Indonesia’s maritime territory includes the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), territorial sea, and other areas within its jurisdictional boundaries. Indonesia’s total sea area reaches more than 5.8 million square kilometers.
The largest coral reef in the world
The Indonesian sea is home to the largest coral reef in the world, spanning over 51 thousand square kilometers. This is equivalent to 18% of the world’s coral reefs, estimated at 284.3 thousand square kilometers. Indonesia is home to many coral reefs because it is part of the Coral Triangle region.
Photo: Indonesia’s seas are home to sea turtles (Shutterstock/fenkieandreas)
The largest turtle habitat in the world
There is one fact about the Indonesian sea that is still rarely known by some people, namely that Indonesia is the largest habitat of sea turtles in the world. Indonesia is home to 6 of the world’s seven species of turtles! According to WWF, several types of turtles that live in Indonesia are green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), flatback turtles (Natator depressus), and loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).
Main diving destination
Indonesia is an archipelagic country famous for its underwater beauty, so it is not surprising that it is the main diving destination for tourists. One of Indonesia’s diving spots, Misool Island, Raja Ampat, is considered a diving paradise and is a target for world divers.
As one of the paradises in Eastern Indonesia, Misool Island has one-third of the world’s coral. Don’t be surprised to find various kinds of marine biota under the sea on Misool Island, from thousands of ornamental fish, turtles, and sharks to rows of beautiful coral reefs.
Have a large current
Another interesting fact about the Indonesian sea is that it is famous for having large currents. This advantage is what ultimately makes Indonesia a world-class surfing spot. Thanks to its big and challenging waves, Indonesia has hosted several international surfing championships.
There are many choices of the best world-class surfing spots in Indonesia, one of which is in the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra. One highlighted surfing spot in the Mentawai Islands is Sipora Island, known for its challenging waves reaching heights up to 7 meters.
Apart from Mentawai Islands, there are still many choices of surfing spots in Indonesia that are favorites for world surfers, such as Tanjung Setia Beach, Lampung; Sorake Beach, Nias; and Plengkung Beach, Banyuwangi.
The most carbon-rich mangrove forest
It’s not just about underwater beauty; facts about Indonesia’s seas can also be seen in the many mangrove areas or mangrove forests. According to mongabay.co.id, mangrove areas in Indonesia are among the most carbon-rich forests in the world. In other words, this area contains three times more carbon per hectare than tropical forests in the lowlands and five times more than tropical forests in the highlands.
Many facts about the sea in Indonesia make you even more proud, don’t they?
Cover: Indonesia’s waters hold many interesting facts (Shutterstock/Fabio Lamanna)
