Badung, Bali, Jan. 31 -- Indonesia is tightening oversight of cruise ship traffic in its waters to protect coral reef ecosystems from the risk of damage caused by maritime transportation accidents, an official said on Saturday.

Rasio Ridho Sani of the Environment Ministry said all shipping companies, including cruise ship operators, are required to carry insurance that covers environmental damage, including harm to coral reefs.

He noted that the polluter pays principle applies in the shipping industry, meaning parties responsible for environmental damage or pollution must bear the costs of repair and restoration.

"We handle many cases of oil spills and transportation accidents, and they are covered by insurance," Sani said on the sidel...