This Diving Location in Papua, Indonesia Boasts WW II Artifacts Underwater

KOMPAS.com – If underwater activities during a vacation get you excited then visit Papua, considered a hidden gem when it comes to diving spots in Indonesia.

Raja Ampat dominates West Papua’s tourism industry, but there is another place to explore if you’re looking to avoid mainstream destinations or for more diving locations.

Tambrauw Regency is one of the many diving spots in Indonesia that is equally pristine and mesmerizing, but something unique lurks underneath its waters.

Rizki Handayani, Deputy of Tourism Products and Events at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, said that a remnant of the World War II-era can be found around this diving location in Papua.

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“There are artifacts from World War II that can be found on land and underwater. We are very much prepared to develop the area.”

To push for a stronger Visit Papua campaign, Rizki has asked diving enthusiasts to introduce Tambrauw Regency as one of the new diving spots in Indonesia, specifically in West Papua.

For travelers less eager to snorkel or dive, Rizki said that there are ways to learn about conservation efforts of the area. In fact, Tambrauw Regency has been dubbed as a ‘Conservation Regency’ by the government.

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“When you visit Papua, there are plenty of mining sites here, but the people have decided to focus on becoming a tourism destination. The locals do not want to see their forests destroyed and together, we will cooperate to promote the location.”

Rizki admits that the journey to reach this tourist destination in Papua is no easy feat as it is full of obstacles and high adrenaline due to its mud and dirt roads.

(Writer: Nicholas Ryan Aditya | Editor: Kahfi Dirga Cahya)

Source: https://travel.kompas.com/read/2020/08/21/161900727/wisata-diving-di-tambrauw-papua-barat-lihat-benda-sisa-pd-ii