BUNAKEN: INDONESIA’S MARINE PARADISE AND A STORY OF CONSERVATION WITH PELINDO

At the northern tip of Sulawesi Island lies one of Indonesia’s most priceless marine treasures: Bunaken National Park. Its waters are crystal clear, its coral reefs vibrant, and its fish dance freely among the corals. But Bunaken is more than just a beautiful destination—it is home to thousands of marine creatures, a remarkable place of learning, and now, a center of transformation.

Bunaken National Park was established in 1991, making it one of Indonesia’s first protected marine parks. Covering an area of 89,065 hectares, the park includes ocean, coastal zones, and five main islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage, and Nain.

With over 390 species of coral, Bunaken is one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. Its vertical coral walls—extending down hundreds of meters—make it a globally renowned destination for “wall diving.”

Since 2022, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), or Pelindo, has adopted Bunaken Village as one of its development programs. Pelindo has been actively involved in marine conservation—ranging from coral planting and sea turtle preservation to the installation of fish aggregating devices (rumpon) and coastal clean-ups. Pelindo also supports dive certification for local residents.

Beyond that, Pelindo engages volunteers from Bakti BUMN and its own employees in hands-on activities, even donating playground equipment to the local school.

Pelindo didn’t come with just a name—they came with real action.

Pelindo Regional 4 Manado also supports coastal children through a storybook series: Stories from the North, written by Bunaken children in collaboration with the North Sulawesi Literacy Association.

In this book, Bunaken’s sea becomes the backdrop for many stories—about two friends on a glass-bottom boat, about a coelacanth and a lionfish helping each other, and about children’s hopes for a clean and thriving ocean. This isn’t just a book—it’s the voice of the next generation working to protect their sea.

Pelindo Regional 4 Manado also created the Passenger Terminal Playroom at Manado Port—a fun, educational space filled with murals of marine creatures such as sea turtles, coelacanths, and lionfish.

Here, children can play while learning about the ocean and discover that environmental care can begin at a young age.

With its natural beauty and a community that cares, Bunaken is not just a place for vacations—it is a place for learning, growing, and dreaming. And with Pelindo’s presence, the spirit of marine conservation in Bunaken has found renewed energy.

A beautiful ocean doesn’t sustain itself. It is cared for by many hands—the hands of divers, children, local residents, and partners like Pelindo. Because the sea doesn’t belong only to today—it is a legacy for tomorrow.