This research examines the legal protection of tourism areas against pollution caused by drifting waste in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua. The main issues addressed are the forms of legal protection that have been implemented and the obstacles faced in their enforcement. The purpose of this research is to identify the existing forms of legal protection provided by the local government and to analyze the challenges that hinder their effectiveness. This research employs an empirical method through interviews with relevant institutions and literature study. The findings indicate that although a legal protection framework is in place, it is still limited to preventive efforts. The absence of detailed and binding local regulations has resulted in the lack of sanction enforcement. Other obstacles that hinder effective legal protection include limited budget, the archipelagic geographical condition of Raja Ampat, and low public awareness regarding waste management. Therefore, legal protection of tourism areas against pollution from drifting waste in Raja Ampat is considered to be not yet optimal.