TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat rebutted accusations that the regional-owned firm PT Flobamor monopolized the tourism management in Komodo National Park. He asserted that it was just misinformation and miscommunication.

“The problem is the news there,” he said in the Weekly Press Briefing at the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry’s office, Central Jakarta, on Monday, August 8, 2022.

Because of the monopoly issue, Viktor said he held dialogues as directed by Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno for one week and discussions with tourism and creative economy actors in Labuan Bajo today and on August 4, 2022.

“At that time, PT Flobamor made the explanation as clearly as possible about the management scheme [of the national park, which sparked the allegation of the monopoly],” he said.

If the public hears comprehensive descriptions from the NTT provincial government and PT Flobamor, he added, it is clear that community tourism and all stakeholders are involved in managing Labuan Bajo tourism, especially Komodo National Park.

Viktor also noted three important points from the meeting with tourism and creative economy actors on August 8, 2022. The first point is that the new controversial entry fee of Rp3.75 million per visitor would take effect next year.

The second point, the ticket price still refers to PP No. 12 of 2014 which will later be allocated for PNBP (Non-Tax State Revenue), PAD (Regional Original Income), facilities, and conservation costs.

The last point, the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, the Environment and Forestry Ministry, the NTT government, the West Manggarai government, and Komodo National Park will collaborate to minimize miscommunication in the media and public.

Viktor further claimed that since August 2, 2022, the condition in Labuan Bajo has been very conducive. “[Tourism players] who planned to go on strike have agreed to support the conservation plan,” he said.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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