TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tour Company (ASITA) of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Abed Frans strongly condemned the rape against a French tourist by an individual who claimed as a tour guide in Labuan Bajo, Flores Island.

“We strongly condemn this incident, it is very embarrassing and tarnished our tourism in NTT, especially in Labuan Bajo which is a leading tourist destination,” said Abed Frans in Kupang, Thursday, June 21.

He explained that a 22-year-old French tourist MB was raped by someone who claimed to be a tour guide A in Labuan Bajo on Tuesday, June 12.

The incident started when the victim was escorted by the perpetrator to the tourist site of Cunca Wulang Waterfall using a motorcycle.

Abed hoped that the West Manggarai Police will immediately arrest the raper that adversely affects tourism in Labuan Bajo which is one of the top 10 national priority destinations.

He asked the Association of Indonesian Tourists (HPI) in West Manggarai District together with the local administration to immediately resolve the issue thoroughly.

According to Abed, local administration and local HPI provide assurance that the tour guides who served in Labuan Bajo must have an official certificate from the government or official institutions.

He added that ASITA's service as a tour operator also depends on the performance of the selected tour guides to serve tourists in the field. Abed hoped this will not reappear in the future since it will adversely affect the development of tourism in the area.

ANTARA