Rinca Island will focus on tourism. Right now, we are developing itJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) provided an explanation for the government's consideration to raise tourist rates or the price of entrance tickets to Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
On the sidelines of his working visit to Rinca Island, NTT, Thursday, the head of state noted that one of the grounds for the increase in the price of entrance tickets was the plan to develop Komodo Island as a conservation area.
"The government is keen to develop conservation in Komodo Island but also wants to boost the economy through tourism. This must be balanced," he stated as quoted from the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel on Thursday.
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The government will conduct further research on the Komodo dragon's ecosystem characteristics and food to bolster conservation efforts for the species.
The government will also organize training and provide guidance to improve the residents' economy and develop community-based tourism.
He later explained that apart from Labuan Bajo, the Komodo dragon also lived in Komodo, Rinca, and Padar Island. Hence, the government has decided to develop conservation in Komodo and Padar Island while focusing on Rinca Island for tourism.
"Rinca Island will focus on tourism. Right now, we are developing it. Rinca Island also has a similar Komodo dragon just like that in Komodo Island. If tourists are keen to see the Komodo dragon, then they can go to Rinca Island," Jokowi remarked.
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The head of state noted that people can still see Komodo dragons on Rinca Island at a cheaper rate, while those, keen to see Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, were still welcome, though they had to pay different rates.
"It is actually simple. Do not speculate the news. We want to praise the environmental activists for their input and consideration," he stated.
Earlier, the government had set the entrance ticket price to the Komodo Island National Park at Rp3.75 million per person, starting from August 1, 2022. The increase in rates drew various responses from the public, including associations of business actors in Labuan Bajo.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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