The Mentawai Government tourism department is responsible for the supervision and management of tourism in the Mentawai Islands.

Macaronis Resort is fully licensed under our Indonesian PMA local limited company, PT. Internusa Bahagia, which is allocated 50% of the 40 surfer capacity permitted at Macaronis each day decided by Regent Decree No.168 Year 2016 (English / Indonesian), while licensed boats are allocated 30% of this capacity (12 surfers), and “other” surfers are allocated 20% (8 surfers).

Macaronis Resort or visiting boats are permitted to use more than this capacity provided that 40 surfers is not exceeded. For example, when there are no ‘other’ surfers; up to 2 boats can visit hosting 20 surfers using the 2 moorings provided, or up to 30 surfers from Macaronis Resort if there are only 10 ‘other’ surfers’ in the vicinity; provided that Regent Decree No.168 is continued to be respected.

Note that ‘other’ surfers are usually limited to local surfers, many of whom work at the resort, and only surf when there are fewer surfers in the area. No other hotels, resorts, or homestays are licensed in Silabu, therefore we strongly advise visitors to take caution if being offered to stay with an unlicensed operator that could be closed down at any time.

Macaronis Resort is committed to respecting the Mentawai tourism regulations and a maximum of 40 surfers at Macaronis each day by offering day trips out for guests to surf the other surrounding Southern Mentawai breaks if the capacity of 40 surfers is already full.

Relevant legislation:

  • Regional Tourism Law No.2, Year 2015 (Indonesian / English) particularly in reference to Chapter 3, Part 2, Article 13, and Chapter 5, Article 18.
  • Regent Decree No.168, 2016 (Indonesian / English).

Boat Operators can Reserve a Mooring by emailing the department of tourism at [email protected] or make contact using WattsApp +62 81291972325 (contact person Pak Tespi Hardi – see Circular Letter Year 2022 English / Indonesian).

Note: An effective policy for managing the use of moorings is boat operators being able to book 2 days per trip, and after visiting, they can book more days subject to availability, or book again for their next trip.

This ensures, first of all, that boats have a trip with guests already booked before reserving a mooring, and secondly, it allows the same opportunity for all boats to book a mooring and visit Macaronis. Most importantly, keeping a sustainable number of surfers enjoying the waves at Macaronis each day.

We’d like to clarify that the policy employed for managing the use of moorings is outside of the control of Macaronis Resort, as the Mentawai tourism department is responsible for all matters concerning tourism management, including their policy-making after having input from all of the licensed tourism operators and from tourist visitors to Macaronis.

The Mentawai tourism department states that it aims to provide a safe, orderly, and comfortable experience for all visitors and welcomes visitor feedback by emailing [email protected]

Legislation & Public Notices:

– Mentawai Tourism Department – Circular Letter Year 2022 English / Indonesian

– Mentawai Tourism Department – Circular Letter Year 2016 (English & Indonesia)

– Regent Decree No.168, Year 2016 (Surfer Carrying Capacity – Desa Silabu / Macaronis) English / Indonesian

– Regional Tourism Law No. 02, Year 2015 (Surfing Tourism) English / Indonesian

– Regent Decree No. 13, Year 2016 (Surfing Tourism Management) English / Indonesian

– Regional Tourism Law No. 01, Year 2015 (Tourism – General) English / Indonesian

– Regional Tourism Law No. 08, Year 2015 (Collection of Tourism Retribution) English / Indonesian

– Regent Decree No. 14, year 2016 (Guidelines for Collection of Retribution) English / Indonesian

– Regent Decree No. 64, year 2015 (Licensing Registration for Tourism Companies) English / Indonesian