Safeguarding and allowing for the recovery of one of Indonesia’s major tourist attractions – the Komodo Dragons – is one of the main reasons why the Komodo National Park will no longer be open to tourists starting in 2025, according to the Park’s Chief.

Published 2 months ago

Timing of Closure Yet to be Decided

Source:  Indonesia Expat

Speaking to the local press, the chief of Komodo National Park Hall (Balai Taman Nasional Komodo or BTNK), Hendrikus Rani Siga, revealed that although the closure for tourists is planned for the following year (2025), the exact timing of this plan is yet to be decided. Siga added that BNTK is still reviewing their plans, and whether the closure will be temporary, permanent, or partial is also under review.

“This year, the review should be complete, and it is hoped that by the middle of next year, this plan can be implemented in stages,” Siga told the press on Monday, 15th July.

Closure to Allow Recovery from Intense Tourist Activities

BTNK’s plan to close tourist activities at Komodo National Park might shock prospective visitors and animal enthusiasts. Siga explained that there are several reasons why Komodo National Park should close for tourist activities from the following year, one of which is the need for the park to recover from the intense tourist activities of the past few years.

“We must provide the area, as well as the natural resources at Komodo National Park, with the opportunity to ‘rest and recover’ from the pressure caused by tourism activities, which have recently been very intense and tend to increase,” continued Siga.

Moreover, closing Komodo National Park to tourist activities could also shift tourists’ attention towards other tourist spots on the mainland of Flores Island. Siga pointed out that, so far, tourist visits to Flores Island have predominantly focused on Komodo National Park.

Many yachts when cruising Indonesia, have the gateway to the Komodo National Park – Labuan Bajo – on their cruising itinerary.

Satyawan Pudyatmoko, current Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation of the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry, has expressed his support for BTNK’s plan. Speaking to the press on Tuesday, 16th July, Pudyatmoko said that the health and well-being of the Komodo dragons should never be compromised.

“Komodo National Park is a favourite tourist destination; hence it needs more intensive care. The animals, as well as the surrounding environment, need recovery. Simply putting them in the spotlight is not enough; they also need safeguarding and betterment,” said Pudyatmoko.

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Related News:

• Komodo National Park to Close to Tourist Activities (CNN Indonesia – in Bahasa Indonesia)

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