July 30, 2022 – After President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on July 21–22, 2022, controversy regarding the increased entrance fee to Komodo Island has erupted in recent days to balancing tourism and conservation.
Beginning on August 1, 2022, the government intend to implement the new admission price of IDR 3.75 million per ticket holder to enter Komodo Island and Padar Island for one year period. The Komodo National Park entrance fee has been roughly IDR 200,000.
In order to make up for the harm to the ecosystem of Komodo National Park and as a conservation measure, the government decided to raise the entrance fee. The increased price was intended to keep annual visitor numbers to Komodo National Park to 200 thousand per year.
The Komodo population was estimated to be more than 2,897 in 2018, more than 3,022 in 2019, 3,163 in 2020, and more than 3,303 in 2021. This is based on the implementation of intensive monitoring activities by the rangers at Komodo National Park and researchers from the Komodo Survival Program Foundation.
Tourism business owners have expressed their opposition to the proposal to raise the entrance fee for Komodo National Park. The strategy is thought to be harmful to the local tourism industry because residents who run tourist-related businesses rely on it for their revenue.
The President’s Decision
President Jokowi made the firm decision to support the policy of raising the entrance fee for Komodo National Park to Rp3.75 million on Komodo Island and Padar Island. This was done in an effort to preserve the conservation area and to support the continued growth of the economy through tourist visits.
Visitors who refuse to pay the price are advised to visit Rinca Island instead, which has a lower entry cost and still able to see the Komodo.
Jokowi’s remarks have shown that balancing tourism and conservation is important. If the government wants to put more emphasis on conservation, the Komodo National Park can be closed to tourists and only accessible for scientific purposes.
