Waisai

Waisai is the administrative capital of Raja Ampat Regency in West Papua province, Indonesia. It is situated on the northwestern coast of Waigeo Island within the Raja Ampat archipelago, near the Dampier Strait. As the regency seat, Waisai hosts government offices, courts, and civil service facilities, and it functions as the main commercial and service hub for the area. The town serves local fishing communities, traders, civil servants, and visitors who use Waisai as a gateway to the natural attractions of Raja Ampat.

The economy of Waisai centers on fishing and small-scale commerce, with a growing tourism sector that supports guest houses, tour operators, boat charters, and markets selling local produce. The port and pier provide connections to Sorong, the regional urban center, with regular ferries that are essential for residents and tourists traveling to and from the archipelago. Access for many visitors is by air to Sorong, followed by sea transfer to Waisai.

The surrounding region is characterized by tropical vegetation and marine biodiversity, with offshore reefs and numerous islands that form part of the Raja Ampat Marine Protected Areas. The population includes Papuan communities, with Indonesian widely spoken alongside local languages. Religions in the area include Christianity and Islam, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of West Papua.