Discourse On Entering Komodo Island Costs IDR 3.7 Million, The NTT DPRD Warns That Public Unrest Has Arisen

Visitors watch a number of Komodo dragons on Rinca Island, Komodo National Park Area, NTT, in December 2018. (Antara)

NTT - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) DPRD member Yunus Takandewa asked the NTT Provincial Government (Pemprov) to stop the discourse on increasing the entrance fee to Komodo National Park.

According to Yunus, the discourse is not supported by strong supporting regulations and regulations.

"The discourse on tariffs to enter the Komodo National Park should be stopped, including the discourse on delaying the implementation of the policy until 2023. Because the discourse has not had a thorough study, it is outside the norm of authority," Yunus said in Kupang, NTT, quoted from Antara, Tuesday 9 August.

He said this was related to the discourse on increasing the entrance fee to Komodo Island and Padar Island, which the NTT Provincial Government set at Rp3.7 million to reap pros and cons among the public. The implementation of the new tariffs has been postponed until January 1, 2023.

He added that the discourse should be stopped because it creates ambiguity and public unrest.

After observing the development of the situation and the aspirations that have developed to date, the discourse of delaying the imposition of tariffs to enter Komodo National Park actually lengthens the duration of tension and panic among various elements, including tourism actors and the people of Komodo Island.

"It is better for the NTT provincial government to concentrate on restoring the current situation in order to create a positive perception of the position of Komodo National Park as a leading tourist destination," said the chairman of Commission V of the NTT DPRD.

He also suggested that the NTT Provincial Government provide full support for community-based management of Komodo National Park in accordance with its position as a national park.

Regarding the restoration of the ecosystem, he hopes that limiting visits and preserving the ancient Komodo dragon will be handed over to those who have full authority over this matter. Thus, the position of Komodo National Park will provide certainty for the future of the tourism ecosystem in NTT.

"A conducive situation, full of peace, more definite governance will provide a sense of coolness that can move all sectors in tourist destinations, especially Komodo National Park, which has now become global," he said.