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

Where required the regional government is supported by the Pol PP (Municipal Police Unit) to ensure that visiting surfers pay surf tax, land based business have a registered company with the appropriate building permits and tourism licenses that must pay 10% hotel and restaurant tax (VAT), land and building taxes, and other taxes and levies payable to the Mentawai Government in accordance with the regulations and licensing requirements. Charter boats also must have the appropriate permits and licensing under the tourism regulations.

Macaronis Resort™ built in 2004 has remained fully licensed since 2007 under our Indonesian PMA local limited company, PT. Internusa Bahagia, which in 2016 under the revised tourism regulations was 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% (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.

There are no other licensed tourism accommodation providers in Silabu nearby Macaronis, therefore, we strongly advise taking caution if being offered to stay with an unlicensed accommodation that has no registered company, building permits, or tourism licenses, that could be closed down at any time (for example, see here, May 22nd, 2024). If unsure, we recommend requesting proof of company registration and licensing before making a reservation to avoid any complications.

Macaronis Resort is committed to respecting the Mentawai tourism regulations which permits 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).

Licensed boat Operators can Reserve a Mooring by emailing the department of tourism at [email protected] CC’d to [email protected] or make contact using WattsApp to Pak Tespi Hardi +62 81291972325 or Pak Laurens +62 81277338418 (see Circular Letter Year 2022 English / Indonesian). From time to time authorities re-socialize the use of moorings, see here

Boat operators can reserve a mooring for two days at a time which ensures there is always availability within 2-3 weeks and boats will only reserve a mooring when they already have a trip with guests booked (not booking months into the future). This allows the same opportunity for all boats to book a mooring for 2 days of surfing at Macaronis, supporting a sustainable number of surfers to enjoy the waves each day.

We’d like to clarify that the policy 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 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] CC’d to [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