Content Writer 
When people talk about Indonesia, the names Bali or Yogyakarta usually dominate the conversation. Yet far to the east lies Merauke, a city in South Papua that many Indonesians themselves know little about. This easternmost city is the first to greet the sunrise in Indonesia, offering not only a symbolic charm but also untapped tourism gem potential.
One reason Merauke is still under the radar is its distance. Unlike Bali or Jakarta, Merauke isn’t part of the main international routes. The city relies mainly on Mopah Airport, with limited connections and little global promotion. According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, most international tourists still cluster in Bali, while Papua—including Merauke—receives less than 2% of foreign arrivals annually (Kemenparekraf, 2023).
What Makes Merauke Special?
Geographically, Merauke Regency is vast, covering more than 45,000 km²—larger than the entire country of Estonia. Its most famous treasure is Wasur National Park, a 4,100 km² wetland ecosystem often referred to as the “Serengeti of Papua.” Recognized as a Ramsar site, it is home to cassowaries, wallabies, tree kangaroos, and over 400 bird species (WWF Indonesia, 2022). For birdwatchers and eco-tourists, this is a dream destination.
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Fun fact: unlike the dense rainforests associated with Papua, Merauke’s landscape is dominated by open savannas. These grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, giving the region a unique character that sets it apart from other Indonesian destinations.
Culture and Heritage of Merauke As A Tourism Gem
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marind_people)
Merauke is not just about landscapes. Indigenous communities, such as the Marind people, preserve rich traditions and cultural expressions. Their crafts, rituals, and oral histories are not staged performances for tourists, but authentic practices of everyday life. This makes Merauke a place where travelers can experience genuine cultural exchange rather than packaged tourism.
The Potential As A Tourism Gem
Indonesia welcomed 13.9 million international visitors in 2024, with spending projected to reach IDR 344 trillion in 2025 (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2025). But most of this growth is concentrated in Bali, which struggles with over-tourism. Diversification is urgently needed, and Merauke could be part of the solution. With eco-friendly expeditions, community-based homestays, and wildlife tours, Merauke can promote sustainable tourism while empowering local communities.
Why It Matters
Tourism is not just about economic gain. Promoting destinations like Merauke means recognizing the cultural and ecological diversity of Indonesia. It helps reduce the pressure on over-visited sites while creating new opportunities for regions that have long been overlooked.
Merauke remains underexplored not because it lacks beauty or culture, but because it has yet to be fully promoted. Its sunrise, vast savannas, and living traditions are reminders that Indonesia is more than its most famous islands. For curious travelers willing to go beyond the usual, Merauke is not just a destination—it’s a horizon waiting to be discovered.
Writer: Florencia Merrie Burhan
Editor: Tesalonika Kristianti
