A video showing an Australian tourist confronting a visitor accused of littering on Padar Island in Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, has attracted widespread attention on social media, prompting renewed discussion about responsible tourism and environmental conservation.
The footage, uploaded to Instagram by @jay_gojes, has been viewed more than two million times. It was recorded by Gordianus Jai, a freelance tour guide and social media activist, who said he had not expected the incident to receive such widespread attention.
Speaking to DetikTravel, Gordianus said the incident took place on Tuesday, 15 July 2026, at approximately 8.30 a.m. Central Indonesian Time (WITA) near Post 4 on the Padar Island trekking route.
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Argument Between Couple Led to the Incident
According to Gordianus, the incident began when a Chinese couple became involved in an argument while trekking. During the dispute, the man allegedly threw a water bottle towards his wife, causing it to fall over the edge of the trail.
“As a tour guide, even though they weren’t my guests, I went off the trekking route to retrieve the bottle and return it to the Chinese tourist,” Gordianus said.
However, he said the tourist’s reaction after the bottle was returned disappointed other visitors who had witnessed the incident.
“The Australian tourist then grabbed the bottle from my hand, chased the Chinese tourist, and then doused him with the water inside the bottle,” he said.
In a separate interview with Kompas.com, Gordianus, who is also known as Jay, explained that he was guiding a group of visitors to the summit of Padar Island when the incident occurred. He said the dispute between the couple started near Post 5.
“He was arguing with his wife. He threw a water bottle at her,” Jay said.
After throwing the bottle, the tourist walked away, leaving it behind on the trekking trail.
“I picked it up and told him not to litter, but he fought back,” Jay said.
According to Jay, a female Australian tourist dressed in black then took the bottle from his hand before approaching the man. The two exchanged words as they continued descending the trail.
“The argument with the Australian tourist was on the way down, starting at Post 5. He was doused with water from the bottle when he reached Post 4,” Jay added.
Park Authorities Reiterate Anti-Littering Rules
Gordianus said that tour guides on Padar Island routinely remind visitors about environmental responsibilities before every trek. In addition to briefings provided by tour guides, visitors also receive instructions from naturalist guides and island officers regarding park regulations and conservation measures.
“Not every tourist necessarily complies with local regulations, even after being briefed,” Gordianus said.
The Head of Komodo National Park (Balai Taman Nasional Komodo/BTNK), Hendrikus Rani Siga, reiterated that littering is strictly prohibited throughout the national park, including on Padar Island.
“Before climbing Padar Island, there will be a briefing by officers, including regarding litter,” Hendrikus said.
Padar Island is one of the most visited destinations within Komodo National Park, attracting both domestic and international travellers with its panoramic viewpoints overlooking the island’s distinctive hills and coastline.
Park authorities and local guides continue to encourage visitors to follow conservation rules to help preserve the protected area.
