"I am ready to open dialogue and willing to find common solutions. I also want to invite all parties to improve the environmental quality and sustainability in the tourism ecosystem in Labuan Bajo and Flores," Uno stated in Labuan Bajo, on Friday.
According to the minister, the entrance fee hike should be incorporated into the conservation issues based on studies of TNK areas that have limited visitor capacity. Thus, there is a limit in place of as many as 200 thousand visits to the TNK area.
Uno deems it necessary to look at the aspects of education, research, and sustainability to maintain the Komodo dragon population in the area.
Moreover, seeing the high interest in tourists for ecotourism, the government adopted a policy that would prioritize handling conservation and economic impacts. This was also in line with the report of NTT Governor Viktor Laiskodat, who highlighted the need for waste management and the preservation of coral reefs.
The government had earlier set an entrance fee of Rp3.75 million per person for tourists visiting Komodo Island and Padar Island. However, tourists would still be able to see Komodo dragons at Rinca Island without any tariff hikes.
Tourists, who have ordered and paid to travel to the two places before the price hike, were given a deadline until December-end by continuing to use the old tariff, Uno stated.
He also highlighted that the government was open to any discussion on this price increase and willing to find solutions together in a transparent manner to avoid any doubts about the policy.
"The government really wants to give priority to conservation and for this tourism to become better with sustainable and friendly aspects," he emphasized.
With this policy, the government will disseminate information and provide education to related parties. The Rinca Island will be immediately readied for visitors, who find it difficult to pay conservation fees to Komodo Island and Padar Island.
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Translator: Fransiska Mariana N, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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