Imagine an Underwater World Bursting with Color—Home to Thousands of Unique Species and the Majority of the Planet’s Marine Life. That’s Indonesia.
More than just the largest archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is the epicenter of global marine biodiversity, with the most coral reefs in the world.
With over 51,000 km² of coral reefs—around 18% of the world’s total—Indonesia dominates the Coral Triangle, the richest marine ecosystem on the planet.
Coral Triangle: The Amazon of the Seas
Often referred to as the "Amazon of the Seas," the Coral Triangle spans the marine territories of six countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
This is where 76% of all known coral species in the world thrive—605 out of 798, according to WWF. It’s also home to 37% of the world’s coral reef fish species and 6 out of 7 of the world’s sea turtle species, making it one of the most productive and biologically complex marine regions on Earth.
And without a doubt, Indonesia lies at its very heart. One of the most extraordinary spots is the Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, especially the Raja Ampat Islands.
In this small region alone, scientists have recorded 553 coral species—more than any other country in the world. It’s safe to say Raja Ampat is the "heart of the heart" of global marine biodiversity.
Indonesia’s Richest Coral Reef Zones
Indonesia is home to numerous marine areas that are not only stunning but also ecologically vital. Below are some of the key regions that contribute to the country's extraordinary underwater biodiversity:
1. Raja Ampat (West Papua) – Nature’s Masterpiece in Eastern Indonesia
More than 1,500 small islands form the Raja Ampat archipelago, and every inch of it holds incredible biodiversity. With over 550 species of coral and 1,600 species of reef fish, this area is a paradise for researchers, divers, and nature photographers alike.
Raja Ampat’s rich ecosystem has been preserved thanks to a combination of ideal ocean currents, minimal human disturbance, and the presence of well-managed marine conservation zones covering more than 1.3 million hectares.
2. Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi) – A Natural Laboratory in the Coral Triangle
At the heart of the Coral Triangle lies Wakatobi—a cluster of islands in Southeast Sulawesi named after its four main islands: Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko.
Designated as a national park covering 1.39 million hectares, Wakatobi is home to more than 750 species of coral—about 88% of all known coral species in the world—as well as nearly a thousand species of fish.
Wakatobi is a favorite among marine scientists due to the complexity of its reef systems and its high conservation value.
3. Bunaken (North Sulawesi) – A Rich Marine National Park
Located near Manado in North Sulawesi, Bunaken National Park consists of five main islands and is renowned for its coral reef diversity.
According to a 2023 publication titled “Kondisi Terumbu Karang Diving Point Lekuan Dua Pulau Bunaken Sulawesi Utara,” the coral cover at Lekuan Dua, Bunaken was recorded at 58.19%, indicating healthy reef conditions.
Bunaken is also home to a wide variety of reef fish and marine invertebrates, making it one of Indonesia’s premier diving destinations.
A Treasure Trove of Endemic Species
One of the things that makes Indonesia’s marine ecosystem truly exceptional is the presence of endemic coral species—those found nowhere else on Earth.
For example, Isopora togianensis grows exclusively in the Togean Islands, Central Sulawesi. This coral has a distinctive branching shape, making it unique both morphologically and ecologically.
Meanwhile, Indophyllia macassarensis, a striking and rarely seen soft coral, can only be found in the waters around Makassar. Due to its sensitivity to environmental changes, it has become a key subject of conservation research.
Then there’s Acropora suharsonoi, found in the waters off Lombok, known for its rapid growth but also for its high vulnerability to ecosystem disruption.
A Global Conservation Responsibility
With its unparalleled coral reef richness, Indonesia plays a crucial role in global marine conservation. But this wealth comes with a great responsibility: to protect, preserve, and pass on this biodiversity to future generations.
For Southeast Asia and the world, Indonesia is more than just a diving destination—it is one of the last strongholds of intact marine life. Understanding, valuing, and supporting coral reef conservation is no longer just an option—it is a shared necessity.
