TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Government of the West Manggarai Regency has exempted all entrance fees for tourism objects in Labuan Bajo and other locations outside the Komodo National Park until July 31, 2020. The policy is stated in West Manggarai Regent Decree No. 128/KEP/HK/2020 concerning New Normal Protocol during the Covid-19 Period.

Chief Director of Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BOPLBF) Shana Fatina, said that in addition to the exemption of entrance fee for the West Manggarai region, the local government will apply an online registration system for tourists who plan to visit the Komodo National Park. The new system will be applied starting on Monday, July 6, 2020.

"The policy will be in effect simultaneously with trials in tourism destinations in Labuan Bajo. Tourists who will visit Labuan Bajo can access the registration website at https://booking.labuanbajoflores.id," Shana said in a written release on July 3, 2020.

Shana explained that the online registration system is one of the methods to limit the number of visitors in Komodo National Park. In addition, to comply with physical distancing protocol, online registration is also considered as one of the methods to maintain the preservation of Komodo National Park and tourists are expected to have a quality tourism experience.

In relation to the online registration procedure, tourists will be asked to prepare documents such as reference letter from the electronic health alert card application, insurance document, and identity documents. Tourists will also be asked to inform their visitation plan while they are in Labuan Bajo.

Tourists are also obliged to fill out their visiting hour plan for Komodo National Park and areas outside Komodo National Park. After all of the process has been carried out, the BOPLBF team will send a validation letter through email.

"All travel documents including proof of the online registration must be printed out and presented for re-validation upon arrival at the Komodo Airport," Shana explained.

Furthermore, Shana said that the local government will apply a special membership program for tourists visiting the Komodo National Park. "It is being promulgated. But later, there will be a segregation of areas, which areas are for the public, and which areas are for members," Shana said.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA