Kaimana inhabited by a diverse community. Original settlers of Java Island, Buton, Seram, and Peranakan China and live peacefully with native residents of eight tribes, namely Mairasi, Koiwai, Irarutu, Madewana, Miereh, Kuripasai, Oboran, and Kuri. Kaimana which covers about 18 500 square kilometers and inhabited by 42 488 people on promising diverse attractions, namely tourism, culture, and history.
For those who enjoy diving, Namatota Strait and the Strait of Iris in the southern Gulf of Triton ready to greet with all the charm of natural beauty under the sea. At a depth of 30 meters above the sea, you can surf the beauty of coral reefs and mingle with different kinds of marine animals.
Conservation International Indonesia (CII) noted that fish populations in this area reached 228 tons per square kilometer, the highest in Southeast Asia.
“The beauty of fishing Flasher (Paracellinus Nursalim), small size and colorful, can be seen while diving in Kaimana,” said Yasser Andi Fauzan, Marine Conservation and Science Specialist CII in Kaimana.
For those who do not dive, white sandy beach, which is shaded by coconut trees in between the rock cliffs on the Strait Namatota, can calm the mind.
In areas in the Gulf Miwara Faranggara and Triton, we are treated to views of the ocean expanse decorated with small islands covered with trees bertebing flattened foliage. Endemic birds, such as masariku rangkong white and multicolored birds flying free, presents its own entertainment.
When good weather and calm sea, Bryde’s whales and dolphins will appear in the Strait Namatota. If lucky, can see the fish mangiwang (Hemiscyllium henryi) locally called stupid because walking with shark fins. Fish were not hunted so often found swimming near the boat fishermen.
For history enthusiasts, there are a variety of human prehistoric paintings in the rock cliffs on the Strait Namatota. Picture the face, the sun, and palms stamp is part of the thousands of paintings in niches carved into the rock along one kilometer.
These images were created by humans is estimated around 3500 years ago Austronesian when they migrated from Taiwan to the Philippines, Sulawesi, Maluku, to Papua.
In the village of Lobo, Triton Bay, Kaimana District, there is a monument “Fort du Bus” which marks the fort and the Dutch East Indies administration post named Fort du Bus that was built in 1828.
The fortress was abandoned in 1835 when the outbreak of malaria killed most of the Dutch army.
The island became a place of sea turtles lay eggs Venu, both types of green turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).
Common law
Kaimana coastal community nature preserve hereditary, usually through the application of sasi.
Sasi is customary law which prohibits catching fish or other marine animals, such as mussels, snails batulaga, and sea cucumbers, in areas where they breed. Sasi applied within a specific period, every six months, one year, or two years.
Sasi started with traditional ceremonies. Binding of plaited young coconut leaves on a tree trunk and placed on site to sign sasi enforced.
“In that way, catching some fish species can be limited. Fish have time to breed, “said La Aga Samay (72), resident in the Island Village Namatota Namatota.
If the violation of sasi, the person must pay a fine. The amount can be up to USD 50 million. If not, residents believe the offender would suffer from the disease difficult to cure.
Sasi addition, there are some rules to protect marine biodiversity, such as fishing nets have to decide which snagged on coral reefs. Residents understand the coral reef is home to breed fish. Same damage coral reefs by destroying livelihoods.
When diving to catch trochus (shells) or snail batulaga, fishermen used to take cans of milk container to measure the body’s two types of marine animals. If size is less than the width of canned milk, they will not take it.
Kaimana government efforts to maintain the natural preservation plan with determination and regional marine conservation areas (KKLD). In 2008, the regents passed a law which provided for Kaimana waters four miles of coastline, covering 597 747 hectares, as an initial step before determining KKLD.
“Later, the regional reserve would be divided at least so KKLD three zones, namely the core zone where fish spawn that should not be exploited, a zone of restricted use, and utilization of free zones for exploitation,” said the CII Program Manager Kaimana Lamuasa Thamrin.
Unfortunately, to enjoy a little Kaimana not necessary funds. To explore the Bay of Triton can be taken approximately 1.5 hours from Port Kaimana, tourists have to hire a long boat owned by fishermen with a minimum fee of Rp 2.5 million. Larger funds needed for the island that time Venu journey took five hours.
Ticket prices from Ambon to Kaimana USD 1.6 million. If from Makassar, USD 2.5 million tickets.
Tourism support facilities are still minimal. Lodging only four pieces and must bring their own diving equipment.
“We’re still mapping the attractions and facilities is required. Tourism office just three months standing, “said Head of Culture and Tourism Office Kaimana, Donesius Murmana.
However, foreign tourists have been arriving. “Generally, in September until March when the seas calmed,” said Port Executive Office Kaimana, Thimus M Solossa.
The government needs to cooperate with private investors to immediately fix the infrastructure of tourism before the enchantment of Kaimana and interests of tourists hurried to fade.