Police Asked Not To Be Repressive In Facing Protests Of Tourism Actors Who Refused The Komodo National Park Entrance Fee Of IDR 3.7 Million

The atmosphere of a demonstration from tourism actors in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, NTT, Monday (1/8/2022). ANTARA/Fransiska Mariana Nuka

LABUAN BAJO - DPD member from NTT Angelo Wake Kako asked the police not to take repressive measures against tourism actors who refused to increase entry rates to Komodo Island and Padar Island, Komodo National Park Area, West Manggarai, NTT.

"Security officers should not take repressive actions, because the demonstration is protected by law," Angelo said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 1.

He conveyed this in response to allegations of violence by security forces when tourism actors took action near Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport.

He said the photos and videos circulating showed clashes between the perpetrators of the mass action and the security forces so that several tourism activists suffered injuries to their heads and temples. In addition, three activists were detained by the police.

Therefore, Angelo asked the security forces not to take repressive acts of violence against tourism actors.

He also gave his appreciation for the actions carried out by tourism actors in a peaceful manner.

Furthermore, responding to the policy of increasing ticket prices which is the cause of the action of tourism actors, Angelo hopes that there will be socialization to equalize perceptions about the conservation cost which the NTT Provincial Government calls for Rp.3.75 million per person per year.

He also encouraged PT Flobamora as a Regional Owned Enterprise to also engage in the supply chain for Labuan Bajo tourism needs.

"PT Flobamora must be able to connect farmers with the Labuan Bajo tourism market for the sustainability of farmers in Flores," said the former chairman of the PP PMKRI Presidium.