Schedule of Tourist Visits to Komodo Park Needs to be Managed

TEMPO.CO, Kupang - An economic observer James Adam said that the schedule of tourist visits to Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, needs to be managed to avoid the impact on the environment or habitat of the Komodo dragons.

"The authorities may apply a time division or shift system so that tourists will not flock Komodo tourist area," said Chairman of Economic Association of NTT Province in Kupang, Tuesday, April 24.

Read: Tourist Arrival Increased Visitors Can be Targeted by Komodo

He said the number of visitors is increasingly exploited which is feared it would affect the environment or habitat of Komodo (Varanus komodoensis) as the ancient animals.

According to James, the number of tourists to Komodo National Park actually should not be limited since the government is eagerly developing the tourism sector.

Read: Komodo National Park to Limit Visitors

“However, (what can be done is) managing the amount and time of visit based on the capacity of the area," he said, before adding that the visit management can also facilitate the service and supervision of tourist activities. “To avoid harmful activity."

Komodo National Park management noted the flow of tourists to the area continues to increase. In 2017, the number of tourists to Komodo National Park reached about 122,000 people or up from that in 2016, which is at 82,000 people.

REZKI ALVIONITASARI