"Earlier in March, we had already issued a circular for the same (temporary closure of the Komodo National Park) that is valid until this day. However, this time, we extend it further," the park’s director, Lukita Awang Nistyantara, stated here on Friday.
The extension of the closing period for the Komodo National Park was outlined in a letter issued on Thursday (May 28), with number: PG.466 / T.17 / TU / REN / 05/2020.
Nistyantara was uncertain of the extent of time that the popular tourist area will remain closed since the COVID-19 outbreak had shown no signs of abating.
"The Komodo National Park is still temporarily closed until further notice," he remarked.
However, the closure and opening of the Komodo National Park area will be based on the results of evaluation by relevant ministries and the local government.
"We do not know how long this will be closed since until now, an official policy had yet to be issued by the relevant authorities over the reopening of the region," he explained.
Extending the closure period of the tourist area was aimed at protecting the health of officers and the community in the area.
Nistyantara pointed out that the temporary closure of the area’s tourist areas was also in accordance with the directives of the regional authorities and head of the Task Force on COVID-19 Response in NTT Province.
An indefinite ban was also in place for the entry of cruise ships, including those with a capacity to carry several passengers, into the Komodo National Park area.
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Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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