The Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno recently returned from a trip to Tawale Island in South Halmahera, North Maluku, and came back to rave about the new destination he has dubbed “the new Raja Ampat.”

Raja Ampat itself is a regency on the far west point of Papua that consists of four large islands, Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, known for their almost unparalleled landscapes and diving spots, but apparently, Tawale Island is just as beautiful according to the minister.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno (@sandiuno)

What did Sandiaga Uno have to say about Tawale Island?

The Minister said that the undersea beauty is what first attracted him to Tawale Island, located in South Halmahera, North Maluku. 

During his trip, Uno was accompanied by the Regent of South Halmahera, Usman Sidik, when he visited the Tawale Island cluster on Saturday, November 26, 2022. The destination itself was about an hour away from the Isle of Bacan.

During their visit, Sandiaga and Usman took the time to swim and paddle a kayak around the Tawale Island Cluster. From there, he actually found that there is an island with an attraction that is no less beautiful than Raja Ampat in West Papua. So it is natural that the area is also dubbed the New Raja Ampat by newcomers.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (@kemenparekraf.ri)

Sandiaga also shared his swimming experience. According to him, the Tawale Island Cluster has a wide variety of marine life which provided a very memorable and valuable experience for him.

He also said that Tawale Island was very impressive with its stretch of green forest and clear blue seawater.

"This is an unforgettable experience. (The Tawale Island Cluster) is incredibly beautiful, it really is the gates of heaven. Moreover, South Halmahera is one of the best diving spots in the world," said Sandiaga.

Sandiaga said that South Halmahera does not only have the Tawale Island Cluster as its underwater tourist destination. There are still many underwater tourist destinations in South Halmahera that can be explored and developed so that they can revive the economy and create jobs in North Maluku, especially in South Halmahera.

"I see that apart from the natural resource-based economy which is the backbone now, we must also develop a tourism-based economy and a creative economy. So that the economic movement in South Halmahera will increase and open up business and job opportunities," he said.

Sandiaga said the beauty of North Maluku reminds Indonesia of a country that has various natural wealth, especially the wealth of marine biota.

Especially in the Eastern Indonesia region, where in fact there are many other areas in Eastern Indonesia that have beautiful and rich underwater tourism potential, for example in North Maluku Province.

According to Sandiaga, North Maluku is not only blessed with beautiful sea-surface views adorned with clusters of islands and mountains but is also equipped with enchanting underwater beauty which can be used as a leading tourist attraction.