July 22, 2022 – The government aims to attract 1 million tourists to Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, after the renovation of tourist facilities.
“The first target, Labuan Bajo has to attract 1 million tourists. Because the capacity of the airport is that much,” said Jokowi at a press conference in Labuan Bajo, streamed on Sekretariat Presiden YouTube channel.
President Joko Widodo has inaugurated the Bandara Komodo expansion last Thursday (21/7). The target will be changed once Labuan Bajo has successfully attracted 1 million tourists. He hoped to attract some more tourists after the runway in Bandara Komodo is expanded.
“After the runway has been expanded and wide-body planes can enter, the target will be increased to 1,5 million. I have told this Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno. This is something that has to be done together with the minister, governor, province, and the regent,” Jokowi clarified.
Jokowi also explained why he set such a high target for tourism in Labuan Bajo. He said that the renovation done on site has taken a lot of time, which is approximately two years. Moreover, the budget spent on renovations is not a small amount either.
He believed that all the upgrades done in Labuan Bajo should help improve the country’s economic status and tourism on the island. Such upgrades are tidying Rinca Island, then upgrading of ports in Marina. The road infrastructure was widened and extended to the expansion and widening of the runway in the Komodo Airport terminal I.
Jokowi has also asserted that the cleanliness of the island must be preserved. Such as no garbage on the road or at any tourist destinations.
“Don’t let any trash be scattered everywhere. It’s those small details that will be seen by tourists, domestic or international,” he added, “Our hospitality to tourists also plays an important part too.”
