Lombok Zone – The government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has taken a significant step by designating Saleh Bay as a conservation area, aiming to guide tourism development towards ecosystem protection rather than short-term exploitation.
This new policy is outlined in West Nusa Tenggara Governor’s Decree No. 100.3.3.1-196 of 2026 regarding the Reservation of Conservation Areas and the Protection of Whale Sharks in Saleh Bay Waters.
This designation reflects a shift in development strategy, prioritizing conservation as the foundational element while allowing economic and tourism activities to align with environmental capacity limits.
Dr. H. Ahsanul Khalik, the Head of the NTB Communication, Informatics, and Statistics Office, as well as the Spokesperson for the NTB Provincial Government, emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s commitment to sustainable development that leverages ecosystem strengths.
“Saleh Bay is not developed through exploitation but through the protection of its ecosystem. That’s where its competitiveness and sustainability lie,” he remarked.
The designated area spans 73,165.05 hectares and is reserved as a species-based conservation zone, protecting the habitat of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), including feeding areas, growth zones, and natural migration routes throughout the year.
This governor’s policy asserts that all development plans, including tourism feasibility studies, must adhere to the established conservation principles. Dr. Khalik, often called Aka, stated, “Feasibility studies must follow the conservation policy direction, not the other way around.”
This approach ensures that development in the area does not compromise the ecosystem, but instead leverages it as the primary strength in creating sustainable economic value.
The NTB Provincial Government believes that this step will provide a clear direction for investment while maintaining a balance between environmental preservation and the welfare of coastal communities.
With a strong conservation foundation, Saleh Bay is positioned to become an ecosystem-based tourism destination that is not only competitive on a global scale but also resilient in the long run, he concluded.