Gov’t Remains Committed to Developing Labuan Bajo as Super Priority Destination

President Jokowi inaugurates the arrangement of Rinca Island area, Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, Thursday (07/21). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/ Laily Rachev)

In a bid to reinforce commitment to developing Labuan Bajo as a Super Priority Tourist Destination, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (07/21) inaugurated the arrangement of areas in Rinca Island located at Komodo National Park in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara province.

According to the President, the Government has been working on the area arrangement and building supporting tourism infrastructure in Labuan Bajo since two years ago.

“[The works] range from area arrangement in Rinca Island, re-arrangement of a seaport in Marina, as well as expansion of roads, the runway, and the terminal at Komodo Airport,” he said.

The President also expressed hope that Labuan Bajo Airport can bring one million of tourist arrival to the region, adding that the target will be increased to 1.5 million tourists once the runway is expanded so wide-body aircraft can land there.

On that occasion, the Head of State also underscored the importance of maintaining condition and cleanliness of the area that will be the responsibility of the Central Government and regional government, including the governor and the mayor.

“That is one of the factors that can make tourists revisit the area or not. Hospitality is crucial,” he added.

The Government, the President added, also continues to conserve the habitat of Komodo Dragons in Komodo Island and Padar Island; yet, tourists can still meet the endemic species in Rinca Island.

For the record, the entrance fee for Komodo national park in Rinca Island will remain the same but there is adjustment in the fee entrance of the national parks in Komodo Island and Padar Island. (FIDUN) (RAS/EP)