Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - Indonesia is tightening oversight of cruise ship traffic in its waters to protect coral reef ecosystems from the risk of damage caused by maritime transportation accidents, an official said on Saturday.
Rasio Ridho Sani of the Environment Ministry said all shipping companies, including cruise ship operators, are required to carry insurance that covers environmental damage, including harm to coral reefs.
He noted that the polluter pays principle applies in the shipping industry, meaning parties responsible for environmental damage or pollution must bear the costs of repair and restoration.
“We handle many cases of oil spills and transportation accidents, and they are covered by insurance,” Sani said on the sidelines of the Bali Ocean Days Forum in Bali.
To date, there have been no reports of coral reef damage in Bali caused by cruise ship activity, he added.
Bali is one of Indonesia’s leading global cruise tourism destinations, with vessels calling at Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng and Benoa Port in Denpasar.
Nevertheless, the ministry continues to strengthen supervision to prevent incidents of coral reef damage linked to cruise ship operations.
Sani recalled that on March 4, 2017, the cruise ship MV Caledonian Sky struck a coral reef near Kri Island in Raja Ampat.
Compensation was provided to the local community through insurance, and coral reef restoration was carried out over an area of 3,797 square meters.
He added that the ministry is coordinating its oversight efforts with the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
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This news was published on Antaranews.com with a title: Indonesia tightens cruise ship oversight to protect coral reefs
