Why the Gili Matra Marine Park Is So Special — And Why It Needs Protection
The Gili Matra Marine Park
The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — are more than just stunning tropical getaways with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. They are located within one of Indonesia’s top ten marine parks, the Gili Matra Marine Park, a sanctuary created to protect and preserve one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the country. Established to safeguard this underwater paradise for future generations, the Gili Matra Marine Park is a place of both exceptional beauty and scientific importance — but also a park under growing pressure.
A Global Coral Treasure: The Mushroom Coral Discovery
In 2011, a remarkable discovery put the Gili Islands firmly on the map of marine biodiversity hotspots. Dr. Bert Hoeksema of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, the Netherlands, found that the Gili Islands host the greatest diversity of mushroom coral species in the world.
Even more fascinating? This biodiversity was concentrated in the harbor of Gili Air — an area not typically thought of as pristine due to its boat traffic. Yet the harbor proved to be a haven for these unique corals, showcasing just how resilient and rich the local marine ecosystem can be when given the chance to thrive.
A Sanctuary for Sea Turtles
The waters around the Gili Islands are also home to an abundance of sea turtles, making the area one of the best places in the world to encounter them while snorkeling or diving. The most commonly seen species include:
- Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas)
- Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)
These charismatic animals are not just a tourist attraction — they are key indicators of the health of the marine ecosystem. The relatively high population of turtles in Gili Matra shows that the park has the potential to support thriving marine life when protected.
Reef Sharks and Juvenile Nurseries
Another gem of the Gili Matra Marine Park is its population of juvenile white tip reef sharks. These elegant predators are most commonly spotted around dive sites near Gili Trawangan, using the reef structures as nurseries. The presence of juvenile sharks suggests that the area once offered a healthy, supportive environment for new generations of reef predators.
In the past, divers also had the privilege of seeing Leopard Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, and large schools of Bumphead Parrotfish, particularly around full moon events. Deep Turbo near Gili Trawangan and Gili Air Wall used to be popular sites for shark sightings — a sign of a balanced and thriving marine food chain.
A Changing Ecosystem
But things are changing.
In recent years, many iconic species and marine spectacles have started to vanish. The massive schools of Bumphead Parrotfish, once a regular highlight during full moons, have become increasingly rare. Leopard Sharks and Grey Reef Sharks have all but disappeared from regular sightings.
These changes raise concern about the health and stability of the marine ecosystem. Although the Gili Matra Marine Park is officially protected, enforcement remains a challenge. Issues such as coastal development, construction of sea walls, and overdevelopment on the islands are placing pressure on the very ecosystems the marine park is designed to protect.
Development vs. Conservation
While tourism brings opportunity, it also brings risk. Unregulated construction along the beaches, poorly planned infrastructure, and increasing human activity near sensitive reef zones have begun to disrupt the delicate balance of marine life.
The construction of ocean protection walls may be intended to guard the shoreline, but they often alter wave patterns, limit coral growth, and cause sand erosion elsewhere. Without strict regulations, even small-scale changes can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.
Why It’s Still Worth Visiting
Despite the challenges, Gili Matra Marine Park remains a beautiful and inspiring place to visit. Divers and snorkelers still encounter vibrant coral gardens, turtles cruising through shallow reefs, and schools of reef fish in dazzling colors. For many, it’s their first introduction to the richness of the underwater world — and a memory they’ll never forget.
Every person who comes to the Gili Islands with respect for the marine environment plays a role in supporting its future. By diving responsibly, supporting eco-conscious dive centers, participating in cleanups, and learning about local conservation efforts, visitors can help protect what remains and even aid in its recovery.
A Call for Action
The Gili Matra Marine Park is a national treasure — a place where coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, and thousands of marine species coexist in an underwater symphony of life. But this harmony is fragile.
To protect it, we must do more than admire it. Government agencies, local communities, dive centers, and visitors all have a role to play in:
- Enforcing marine park regulations
- Preventing illegal fishing and anchoring
- Controlling coastal development
- Educating tourists and locals alike
- Supporting scientific research and conservation programs
Oceans 5 Gili Air, for example, is actively involved in conservation, working with the University of Mataram, BKKPN, and NGOs to promote scientific research and environmental education.
The Future of Gili Matra
If properly protected and managed, Gili Matra has the potential to recover its former biodiversity and once again become a global example of successful marine conservation. It is a place of wonder, of beauty, and of immense scientific value.
Let’s not wait until it’s too late to act.
Whether you’re diving for the first time or returning to your favorite reef, remember: this marine park needs our protection as much as we need its inspiration. Let your visit be more than a holiday — let it be part of a movement to preserve Indonesia’s underwater treasures for generations to come.