Jakarta, June 14 -- Tourist areas in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, remain safe for visitors, Indonesia's Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana confirmed on Friday.

Her statement follows the temporary closure of access to Wayag Island and Manyaifun Batangpele due to local disputes over nickel mining operations in the region.

"The Ministry of Tourism continues to closely monitor the situation and is prepared to take adaptive steps to support local communities in developing resilient and inclusive tourism," Wardhana said in an official statement.

"Tourists can still safely visit Raja Ampat," she added.

Wardhana noted that aside from Wayag and Batangpele, there are many other islands and dive spots open to tourists, including Manta Poi...