..ex-situ conservation not only functions as a conservation facility but also as a space for education, interpretation and knowledge-based tourism experiences,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is carefully planning ex-situ conservation efforts for the komodo dragon to support the protection of this endangered species outside its natural habitat.

"The Tourism Ministry believes that komodo conservation efforts need to be carried out comprehensively through both in-situ and ex-situ approaches," the ministry stated on Monday (May 11).

While management of Komodo National Park as a natural habitat remains a priority, the government considers developing ex-situ conservation as a strategic step to support the species' sustainability while opening up opportunities for diversifying tourist destinations outside the core conservation area.

From a tourism perspective, ex-situ conservation not only functions as a conservation facility but also as a space for education, interpretation and knowledge-based tourism experiences, according to the ministry.

This initiative has the potential to reduce visitor pressure on the natural habitat while expanding the distribution of economic benefits across mainland of Flores.

The approach is considered necessary to preserve the komodo dragon’s exclusivity as an endemic species of East Nusa Tenggara and to prevent it from becoming merely a man-made attraction.

In line with the development of ecotourism and conservation-based destinations, ex-situ conservation could become part of a broader destination system, particularly as a means of education and tourism product diversification.

“The success of this initiative requires cross-sector collaboration and clear roles among ministries and agencies, from planning and management to marketing,” the Tourism Ministry noted.

“An integrated coordination forum is also needed to ensure that development aligns with sustainable tourism principles and is integrated into the national tourism ecosystem,” it added.

Since April this year, the Komodo National Park Agency (BTNK) in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, has implemented a new regulation limiting tourist visits to 1,000 visitors per day to protect the local ecosystem.

The regulation aims to reduce significant ecological pressure on the national park caused by the high number of tourists visiting the area each year. BTNK recorded 429,509 tourist visits in 2025, with international tourists accounting for 68 percent of the total.

According to the national park authority, this figure exceeds the region’s annual tourism carrying capacity of 378,870 visitors, based on a 2022 study.



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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma Shanti, Yashinta Difa
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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