TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Economic researcher at the Indonesian Institute (TII), Nuri Resti Chayyani, assessed that the increase in entry fees to Komodo Island and Padar Island, East Nusa Tenggara, will reduce the number of tourist arrivals, both local and foreign.

According to her, such a decision should be based on scientific studies and prioritize the sustainability of natural resources to prevent a domino effect.

“Public communication is vital before implementing a policy so that it will not cause an impact on tourism actors,” said Nuri in a written statement on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

The ticket price set at Rp3.75 million per person may bring a negative externality to the market and will monopolize the Komodo National Park tourism ecosystem, especially for tourism actors. Consequently, hotel occupancy will decline, profits of local MSMEs will drop, and people who depend on tourism will lose their jobs.

In making policies, she asserted, the government should consult with various parties, including tourism players. The policy implementation should also be planned carefully and in accordance with good governance principles. The government needs to pay attention to aspects of inclusion and public participation in processing a policy.

“Taking advantage of natural resources which prioritizes conservation and preservation of the Komodo National Park, of course, requires a mature academic basis so that the goal can be achieved,” Nuri explained.

After academic considerations, Nuri said the government needs time to disseminate the policy to the public to prevent misunderstandings with local tourism actors.

The government also needs to publish plans on local community economic empowerment, security, monitoring of Komodo Island and Padar Island, clean water supply, waste management, and the cost of health workers.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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