TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) provincial government stated that it will continue to impose a new entry price for Komodo Island and Padar Island of Rp3.75 million per person, albeit protest by tourism actors in Komodo National Park.

NTT Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat ensured that as the new tariff is applied, his side would disseminate it to the community, especially regarding the conservation program.

Tourists who want to see komodo dragons but object to the new price, Viktor said, can travel to Rinca Island. The entry price remains at Rp75,000 per person for domestic tourists and Rp150,000 per person for foreign tourists. The island is also home to around 1,300 giant lizards.

“President Jokowi has also said that if you don't want to go to Komodo Island and Padar Island, you can visit Rinca Island because the komodo dragons there are the same as those on the two islands. There is no difference,” said Viktor in a written statement on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.

In addition, he said, the number of visitors to the two islands will be limited. “The new tariff will continue to be applied and we will keep evaluating and disseminating the information to the public,” he said.

The government, Viktor went on, needs a large budget to manage the Komodo National Park. “Because with a good conservation, it will be the pride for all of us, especially given the fact that the komodo dragon only exists in East Nusa Tenggara,” said Viktor.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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