Govt Scraps Komodo Island Closure Plan

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan announced that Komodo Island, Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) will not be off-limit for tourism.

However, the government would limit the number of tourists as a part of the efforts to revitalize the island as a nature reserve area.

“The central and regional administration and related parties will jointly manage the area. The number of visitors to the island will be limited through the issuance of tourist ticket,” said Luhut in a statement, Tuesday, October 1.

This decision was agreed by Forestry and Environment Ministry, Tourism Ministry, and NTT Governor during a coordination meeting.

In light of the ticket management, Luhut said that the government would apply a premium annual membership card system. Cardholders will have the chance to directly visit the island, he added.

“While those who have not possessed the premium card will be suggested to visit other destinations that also home for komodo dragons,” Luhut said, adding that the alternative tourist sites include Rinca Island.

The ministry’s deputy for infrastructure affairs, Ridwan Djamaluddin, said that the national park areas will have a research center. The government also planned to further manage yachts docked in the island and Labuan Bajo.

“We also have to build the international standard of nature tourism facilities and infrastructure, as well as supporting infrastructure in vicinity areas of Komodo Island," Ridwan added.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA