Our Location

Welcome to
Gili Matra Marine Tourism Park

The Gili Matra Marine Protected Area (MPA), officially established in 1993, spans approximately 2,954 hectares in North Lombok, Indonesia, surrounding the Gili Islands of Trawangan, Meno, and Air.

Originally designated as a Marine Recreation Park (Taman Wisata Perairan Gili Matra) under the Ministry of Forestry, it has since evolved under the management of Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional (BKKPN) Kupang, part of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

The MPA is bordered by the Java Sea to the north and west, the Lombok Strait to the south, and the Sire Foreland to the east. 

hectares of
Coral Reefs
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hectares of Seagrass Meadows
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hectares of Mangroves
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Ecosystem and Biodiversity

GMMTP’s coral reefs, predominantly fringing reefs, are home to 69 genera from 17 coral families and 523 species of reef fish from 52 families. Notable species include:

  • Heliopora coerulea (Blue Coral): A vulnerable species crucial for reef structure.
  • Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus): Critical for controlling invasive species and maintaining ecosystem balance.
  • Green Turtles (Chelonia midas) and Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbriata): Important grazers that help sustain healthy coral reefs.

A Timeline of Key Events

Our timeline highlights significant natural and managerial events that have shaped GMMTP

Awig-awig are community-based regulations authorized by the village-level government in Balinese and Sasak traditions. Awig-awig regulates allowed and prohibited content, as well as fines and mandatory witnesses in social life and the use of natural resources to maintain the security of community life.

Several awig-awig apply in the GMMTP area related to marine resource conservation. The first is Village Decree no. 12/Pem 1.1/06/1998, which regulates the zoning plan shown in Figure 2A (Bachtiar, 2000), prohibition of fishing with bombs and potassium, prohibition of coral mining, prohibition of catching turtles and their sanctions. The next is Village Regulation no. 33/ Pem 1.1/06/1998, which specifically prohibits the use of explosives in fishing. In 2000, a ban on explosives and potassium in fishing was also enacted in the Tanjung (mainland) area (Hidayat, 2005). In 2014, awig-awig PERDES Gili Indah No: 03/2014, which regulates the zoning plan, was authorized

Challenges and Opportunities

GMMTP’s coral reefs have faced significant challenges, including:

  • Coral Bleaching: Major events from 1986 to 2016, including a severe bleaching in 1998, impacted up to 90% of the reefs.
  • 2018 Lombok Earthquake: Further damaged reefs and affected fish populations.
  • Historical Destructive Fishing Practices: Though reduced, past practices like dynamite and cyanide fishing had lasting effects.

However, tourism has become a major economic driver, contributing up to 45% of North Lombok’s regional revenue. The economic value of GMMTP’s mangroves and coral reefs is estimated at €1,792,963.69 per year, with coastal protection services valued at €588,599.20 annually—nearly nine times the value of tourism services.

Our Commitment to Future Generations

The Gili Matra Marine Tourism Park stands as a testament to the incredible beauty and biodiversity of North Lombok, Indonesia. Our commitment to preserving these vital ecosystems, through a balanced approach of scientific research, sustainable practices, and community involvement, is unwavering.

As we face both challenges and opportunities, we remain dedicated to protecting this marine paradise for future generations to enjoy. Join us in our mission to ensure that the vibrant marine life and natural beauty of GMMTP continue to thrive!