Tourist Arrival Increased, Visitors Can be Targeted by Komodo

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - East Nusa Tenggara Tourism Office head Ardu Marius Jelamu has called for an improvement on tourism management on the Komodo Island in West Manggarai District, Flores Island. “[Tourists] are everywhere and are mismanaged,” he said in Kupang on November 8.

He feared that poor management of tourist visit to the Komodo Island will affect the ecosystem and the habitat of Komodo dragons (Varanus kommodoensis). “I have discussed the issue with the Komodo National Park (TNK) authority, including a plan to send a letter to the Environment and Forestry Ministry,” he said.

The Komodo National Park (TNK) has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia, especially after being named as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Read: Govt to Limit Komodo Island Visitor

Marius explained that he would ask the Environment Ministry to hold a coordinated meeting with the Tourism Ministry and TNK authority to change the mechanism of tourist visit to the Komodo Island.

Marius said that foreign tourists have been complaining about the poor management. The authorities fear that the high number of tourists visiting the island may turn the Komodo dragons more aggressive.

“The aggressiveness of the giant lizards is unpredictable. However, we are worried they will run out of prey. In such a condition, visitors could be targeted by the Komodo dragons,” he said.

The problems are irregular visiting hours and the number of visitors. Marius said that there should be a break between visiting hours.

Moreover, the number of tourists visiting the Komodo Island should be limited in order not to affect the ecosystem.

ANTARA