The Simakakang Declaration - 11th December 2006

Bupati Mentawai, Members of Parliament and tourism industry represetatives at the signing

Pemda Mentawai hosted a special meeting on the 11th of December at Aloita Resort, Simakakang Island. Licensed marine tour operators were invited to submit questions and ideas to the Mentawai administration and key members of parliament. The forum culminated in the signing of the Simakakang Declaration.

A. Pemda have clarified the five companies currently holding a Marine Tour Operators license:

1. Sariana Koat Mentawai (Kandui Resort)
2. Inter Nusa Bahagia (Macas Resort)
3. Mentawai Wisata Bahari (E-Bay Resort, Lances Resort)
4. Bangun Toro Koat (Scarecrows)
5. Bintang Samudera Mentawai (Rags)
   

B. Revision of Perda No 16 - in late 2007 widen scope to give buffer zone type protection other forms of tourism specifically diving and trekking. The Dept of Fisheries announced a coordinated plan to declare Marine Management Areas in a number of sensitive areas in the Mentawais including Nyang Nyang and Katiet. Mooring buoys will be installed to eliminate anchor damage to reefs. Sebastiano lobbied for a Marine Tour license for diving so likely there will be 6 or 7 in the end but with a corresponding reduction in the charter boat numbers.

C. The Mentawai Government to improve enforcement of laws and regulations protecting investors to avoid conflicts over land and overlaps in licensing.

D. Pemda to purchase selected tourism locations and upgrade to land title on behalf of investors. (This service is optional and investors may elect to clear land themselves)

E. Pemda committed to upgrading transport and communications (SMAC will start flying 2 to 3 times per week in March 2007 with a 24 seat aircraft. The fare will be less than $50 one way. Telkom have committed to increasing bandwidth to make internet available for
major towns)

F. Support for a Marine Tourism Industry Association in the form of the 'Simakakang Declaration'.

G. The Mentawai Government to support & encourage the development of other types of tourism (not only surfing)

H. Tourists and Tourism operators must be oriented towards environmental protection.

I. Mentawai to focus on 'exclusive or high end' tourism.

Ed.