Banda Neira Ready to Follow Labuan Bajo and Mandalika? Central Government Gives Positive Signal

In an archipelago that was once the axis of the world, where volcanoes are adorned with blue seas and history hides behind ancient fort walls, Banda Neira is once again capturing national attention. Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian fully supports establishing Banda Neira as a national super-priority tourism center, a status that could transform the face of Eastern Indonesia's tourism landscape.

“This is my first time visiting this beautiful archipelago. My impression is extraordinary. I endorse Banda becoming a super-priority tourism hub and will discuss this with the central government,” stated Tito in Ambon on Thursday, following his attendance at the Banda Heritage Festival 2025.

Captivating Landscape, Indelible History

For many travelers, Banda Neira is more than just a cluster of beautiful islands. It is the original spice island, a stage of world history. Tito highlighted this significance. 

“Banda possesses not only breathtaking natural scenery but also a profound history as the global spice hub that great nations once fought over,” he emphasized. 

Traces of that golden era remain alive through colonial forts, rows of historic houses with large European-style windows, and well-preserved cultural sites. 

All stand as silent witnesses to an island that once made nations wage wars for nutmeg.

Banda Deserves Priority Status

Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa welcomed the Home Affairs Minister's endorsement. 

“Banda deserves to be a priority tourism destination in Indonesia,” he asserted, underlining its enduring historical value and natural wealth.

Maluku Tourism Office Head Achmad Jais Ely revealed strategic preparations are well underway. 

“We already have a Banda masterplan. Our current challenge is securing super-priority classification. Once designated, all ministries will mobilize to develop Banda under presidential instruction,” he explained.

According to him, Banda now awaits only the central government's decision, hoping major development initiatives can launch by 2026. 

“With the Home Affairs Minister's backing, we hope inclusion in the national priority list can begin implementation in 2026,” he added.

High Hopes from Central Maluku

Central Maluku Regent Zulkarnain Awat Amir stated central support unlocks accelerated development opportunities. 

“God willing, we will pursue this vigorously. Banda Neira is globally recognized. We'll convince the central government to classify it as a national strategic program,” he declared.

He explained super-priority status would transform funding scales. 

“If Banda makes the super-priority list, development financing will come from the national budget (APBN), not just regional funds (APBD)… Thus all ministries would collaborate. Our target is 2026,” he detailed. 

Parliament Backs Oversight: Infrastructure is Crucial

Support also flows from the legislative branch. Indonesian Parliament member for Maluku Saadiah Uluputty stressed basic infrastructure's importance as Banda's tourism foundation.

“Banda's potential exists; what's needed now is infrastructure: electricity, clean water, roads, sanitation, and area planning. We'll advocate in Parliament for Banda to receive budget support,” she affirmed.

She hopes the decision to elevate Banda's status will be finalized promptly. 

“Super-priority status is key to accelerating development,” she noted.

Banda Neira: Gateway to the Past, Beacon for the Future

With multi-stakeholder backing, Banda Neira moves closer to its coveted status as a national super-priority tourism zone like Lake Toba, Labuan Bajo, and Mandalika.

Should the decision materialize, Banda won't just reopen its doors for global travelers to walk the historic spice lands—it will also turn a new page for Maluku's future.(Antara)