Mentawai Surf Tourism Management & Regulatory Framework

1. WHO MANAGES SURF TOURISM IN THE MENTAWAI ISLANDS

Surf tourism is regulated by the Mentawai Islands Regency Government through its Tourism Department (Disbudparpora). The Department is solely responsible for setting surfer access rules, carrying capacity, and mooring allocation at designated surf zones — not individual resorts or operators.

All visiting surfers are legally required to pay a Surf Tax (Retribusi Surfing), which contributes to Mentawai’s Regional Own-Source Revenue (PAD). Under Mentawai Regional laws, this levy is the direct responsibility of the visiting surfer — not the operator. Macaronis Resort has voluntarily collected and remitted this tax to the Mentawai Government on behalf of its guests since the levy was introduced in 2016, representing a significant and consistent source of PAD revenue for the regency.

In addition to the surf tax, licensed land-based tourism businesses must collect and remit a 10% hotel and restaurant tax directly to the Mentawai Government — a levy that charter boats are not required to pay. Macaronis Resort is the largest PAD contributor (both surf tax and Hotel & Restaurant tax) of any tourism operator in the Mentawai Islands, a fact formally acknowledged by the Mentawai revenue department.

All land-based operators and charter boats are required to hold valid tourism and maritime licenses and pay all applicable local and national taxes.

2. SURF ACCESS RULES — THE LAW & WHAT CHANGED IN 2026

Regional Tourism Law No. 02/2015 and related legislation (refer to bottom of page) are Mentawai senate-enacted laws that remain fully in force — requiring the Mentawai Government to define and enforce carrying capacities at surf zones where visitor pressure affects environmental sustainability, safety, public order, or surf quality.

In accordance with Article 14(2), Regent Decree No. 168 of 2016 set a daily limit of 40 surfers at Macaronis, allocated in accordance with Article 13(3), as follows:

Macaronis Resort guests    20 surfers    50%
Licensed charter boats     12 surfers    30%
Other visiting surfers      8 surfers    20%
──────────────────────────────────────────
Total daily capacity       40 surfers   100%

On 6 February 2026, after continued lobbying from charter boat associations, this decree was withdrawn and replaced by Regent Decree No. 100.3.3.2-68 of 2026, removing the fixed surfer cap. The stated objective is to increase PAD revenue through surfing levies. Macaronis Resort is currently in the process of appealing this decision.

[ WHAT THIS MEANS FOR GUESTS ]
A formal review is mandated within six months. If significant negative impacts on environmental carrying capacity, safety, or public order are identified, the Government is empowered to reinstate surfer limits. Regional Tourism Law No. 02/2015 — which sits above any decree — means the obligation to manage capacity remains. Macaronis Resort is actively engaged with the authorities and supports the reinstatement of a fair, well-managed access system. We will update this page as the framework evolves.

3. LICENSING, COMPLIANCE & ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

Macaronis Resort has operated as a fully licensed tourism business since 2008 under Indonesian PMA company PT Internusa Bahagia, holding all required building permits, tourism and environmental licenses, and more recently a Marine Space Utilization Approval from the central government Ministry of Marine and Fisheries. All applicable taxes are paid, including the 10% hotel and restaurant levy that goes directly to the Mentawai local budget (PAD – revenue department). 

The resort employs 55 staff, of whom 30 are from the Mentawai Islands — including 17 from Silabu, 7 from Sikakap, and 6 from Tuapejat — with priority given to the local Silabu community. All positions are held by Indonesian nationals; the resort employs no foreigners. In partnership with the Pagai Foundation, guests can join weekly coral planting, mangrove planting, and beach clean-up programs throughout their stay.

[ TIP FOR TRAVELLERS ]
If you are considering accommodation in the area beyond Macaronis Resort, we recommend confirming that the operator holds the appropriate licenses and permits to operate, commonly held by an Indonesian company — standard practice under Mentawai tourism law.