Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inauguration and Inspection of Areas Arrangement in Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, July 21, 2022

Reporter
President Jokowi, I would like to ask, what is the Government’s target for tourist arrival after massive development in Labuan Bajo?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

For how many years were the area arrangement works underway? Two years. Two years which used a significant amount of budget for the arrangement of Rinca Island, the arrangement of the old seaport at Marina, the expansion of road infrastructure, the expansion of runway and terminal at Komodo Airport.

I think it all must be calculated and given something in return. Therefore, the initial target for Labuan Bajo is at least one million considering capacity of the airport. However, the target will be increased to 1.5 million tourists once the runway is expanded so wide-body aircraft can land there. I have told Minister of Tourism Sandiaga Uno this matter.

The works must be done collectively by Ministry of Tourism, Provincial Government, Governor, and Regent. Keep the area clean from trash. That small thing matters. Be careful. Tourists, including domestic ones, will pay attention to it. It will determine whether or not they revisit the areas. That is one of the factors. Our hospitality is also crucial.

Reporter
Sir, regarding entrance fee for Komodo National Park, have it been decided?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We want to conserve the species and also boost the economy through tourism, through tourists. We must strike a balance and we have done it. Labuan Bajo is blessed because Komodo Dragons not only live in one island; they live in Komodo Island, here in Rinca Island, and Padar Island. The conservation has been decided to be located in Komodo Island and Padar Island. Tourists can visit Rinca Island so this area will be managed for them and also for the Komodo Dragons. Komodo Dragons that live in Rinca Island are the same species as that of Komodo Island.

If you want to see Komodo Dragons, please visit Rinca Island, you can find Komodo here. Regarding the entrance fee? It remains the same. However, if you want to meet Komodo Dragons in Komodo Island, you may but the fee will be different. It is basically as simple as that. Do not make it a big deal. We must respect environmental and conservation activists, along with their inputs.

Reporter
One more thing, Sir. There are five National Tourism Strategic Areas (KSPNs) which have been inaugurated. When will it be?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As soon as possible.

Reporter
All of them? This year?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

This year, as soon as possible. But if we found out later that the capacity is not enough and must be developed, we will do it. The most important thing is to calculate the benefits for the people and the state that will be generated in return.

Reporter
Understood. Pak Jokowi, allow me to ask the last question. Team of the National Police (Polri) has found the CCTV footages in the development of shooting of Brigadier Yosua. Do you have special directives to make the case remain open to the public?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I have ordered [law enforcers] to carry out thorough probe, open it as it is. Do not hide anything and be transparent. It is vital to be done so that public does not have any doubt in the case and public trust in Polri can be continuously maintained.

Reporter
Thank you, Sir.

(RAS/EP)