A section of coral reefs within Komodo National Park has been damaged after being struck by the anchor of a tourist vessel.
The incident occurred in the waters off Sebayur Kecil Island, near Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
A video circulating on social media shows the ship’s anchor dragging across the seabed at a depth of five to seven metres, breaking corals along its path. The vessel, identified as Apik, was anchored in the popular diving area when the incident happened.
The boat’s captain, Riswan, confirmed the event, stating that it took place on Saturday, 25 October 2025.
“I’m still at the Harbour Master (KSOP). I’ll provide a statement later,” he said on Monday, 27 October 2025, as quoted by Detiknews. He explained that the case was being investigated by the Labuan Bajo Class III Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP).
Komodo National Park, managed under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, is one of Indonesia’s most recognised marine conservation areas and a major international diving destination.
The Sebayur Kecil waters are known for their coral diversity and marine life that attract visitors year-round.
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Regent Calls for Anchoring Regulation
Responding to the incident, West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi said that local authorities had inspected the affected site.
“The Tourism Office and other stakeholders have gone to the location for inspection. We hope that the authorised agencies will release the results of the field inspections soon,” he said during the inauguration of the Solar Power Plant and Coral Reef Restoration Project on Seraya Kecil Island on Saturday, 1 November 2025, as reported by Kompas.com.
The Regent described the damage at Sebayur Kecil as a reminder for all parties to collaborate in ensuring tighter regulation of marine tourism in Labuan Bajo.
“I think the incident in Sebayur Kecil is part of a reflection. I also think it’s part of the importance of collaborative work,” he said.
He added that the incident should encourage the limitation of tourist boat numbers in the region.
“Speaking of the cause, it’s said that the docked ships, namely the pinisi. Why do I say this is part of a reflection? So there are restrictions on the number of boats,” he stated.
Edistasius Endi further emphasised the need for clear designation of tourist sites and anchorage areas to avoid environmental damage in other parts of Labuan Bajo.
“The spots visited must also be clarified so that incidents related to environmental damage don’t occur everywhere. We also have to determine where boats should anchor,” he said.
He urged stronger coordination among institutions at national and regional levels to prevent similar events.
“This includes preparing what needs to be done, which must be done jointly by the central government, provincial government, and local government,” he concluded.
Local officials and conservation groups have raised repeated concerns about anchoring practices in popular diving zones.
Environmental experts note that even short-term contact between heavy anchors and coral structures can destroy ecosystems that take decades to regenerate.
The government’s ongoing inspection and planned coordination efforts are expected to lead to stricter anchoring guidelines for tourist vessels operating within Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for both its terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
