Regarding AMDAL In Komodo National Park, Minister Sandiaga: Now We Are Very Push

Komodo (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said the preparation of an environmental impact analysis (AMDAL) for the construction of the Komodo National Park (TN) would be sent as soon as possible to UNESCO.

“Now we are very pushy (revision of the Amdal) with extra care. Don't worry, we prioritize environmental sustainability and conservation," he said at the online Weekly Press Briefing of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), Jakarta, as reported by Antara, Monday, August 9.

Amdal revisions will be in accordance with the rules of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Furthermore, he explained that UNESCO gave the amdal revision deadline until February 1, 2022, so that there are several months to provide clarification and straighten the news to the World Heritage Center.

Sandiaga explained that he had received information from the Director General of Ecosystem Natural Resources Conservation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Wiratno, that the Amdal revision would be given to UNESCO sooner than the specified time. With that, the revision can be reviewed before the 45th WHC session in 2022.

"Our focus is on presenting quality and sustainable tourism in the concept of the Labuan Bajo Integrated Tourism Master Plan (ITMP) together with the relevant ministries/institutions," he explained.

In this meeting, Sandiaga also emphasized that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and other inter-ministerial ministries continue to coordinate to ensure that the arrangement of facilities and infrastructure in the Komodo National Park utilization zone does not cause a negative impact on Outstanding Universal Value. This is based on a study by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry regarding the improvement of the environmental impact assessment.

The purpose of development in Komodo National Park is to replace inadequate infrastructure with international standard infrastructure.

"When we visited Komodo National Park, we saw many facilities that needed to be improved because they were related to health and safety," said Sandi.

Regarding the evaluation from UNESCO, his party has submitted a request for detailed information about the development of ITMP so as not to cause a negative impact on the Komodo National Park.

This ITMP is designed by considering the existing market potential, not only in terms of quantity, but also in terms of quality and environmental sustainability. It will also maximize authentic local culture and content.

In addition, the community will also be involved to feel the economic impact so that it can improve the welfare of residents in Labuan Bajo and its surroundings.