The Anambas Islands are a maritime regency in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province. They are 98.65% sea, with 255 islands, of which only 29 are inhabited. The islands’ clear water, reefs, turtle habitats and living maritime culture are a strong draw, but their remoteness, seasonal weather and limited infrastructure mean visitor growth has to be carefully managed.
The Anambas Foundation developed the Anambas Islands Ecotourism Strategy to guide this growth, and episteme supported, mentored and advised the Foundation’s team throughout.
The strategy sets a clear planning principle: tourism grows only as fast as conservation systems, community readiness, visitor standards and small-island infrastructure can keep pace. Its goal is that by 2030, Anambas is recognised as a low-volume, high-quality marine ecotourism model that supports reef and turtle conservation and strengthens local livelihoods. The strategy is aligned with national, provincial and regency plans, and positions the Anambas Marine Research Center as the hub for monitoring.
Its priorities are:
conservation sets the limits
a government-aligned visitor experience
community-led delivery
data, cleanliness and safety as destination standards
responsible investment and access
a sustainable financing pathway
We hope visitors will leave Anambas understanding that its reefs, turtles, islands and communities are worth protecting, and that their visit helped protect them.