{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1761729,
        "msgid": "two-austrian-tourists-killed-at-cunca-wulang-labuan-bajo-infrastructure-under-scrutiny-1780343885",
        "date": "2026-05-24 18:47:00",
        "title": "Two Austrian Tourists Killed at Cunca Wulang, Labuan Bajo Infrastructure Under Scrutiny",
        "author": "Wisnu Arto Subari",
        "source": "MEDIA_INDONESIA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Infrastructure",
        "summary": "Two Austrian tourists died when a wooden bridge collapsed at Cunca Wulang waterfall in East Nusa Tenggara, highlighting inadequate maintenance of infrastructure at a national super-priority tourism site. Authorities are coordinating with the Austrian Embassy for repatriation and conducting a safety review of all land-based attractions. The incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures in Indonesia's tourism infrastructure.",
        "content": "<p>The tourism world of Labuan Bajo is in mourning. Two Austrian\ntourists died after falling from a collapsed wooden bridge at the Cunca\nWulang waterfall area in Cunca Wulang village, Mbeliling subdistrict,\nWest Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday (24 May).<\/p>\n<p>The tragedy has drawn sharp criticism over the poor maintenance and\nsafety negligence of infrastructure at this super-priority tourism\ndestination.<\/p>\n<p>The victims, identified as Astrid, 56, and Jurgen, 54, a married\ncouple, were enjoying the natural scenery with their group. The incident\nbegan when they crossed the wooden bridge, the main access point to the\narea. The lower supports of the bridge reportedly snapped, causing the\nstructure to collapse.<\/p>\n<p>Both victims were dragged down to a rocky riverbed approximately 10\nmetres deep. The severe impact with large boulders caused their deaths\nat the scene. A joint team from the Indonesian National Police (Polri),\nSearch and Rescue (SAR), and medical personnel swiftly evacuated the\nsite after receiving reports from panicked locals and tourists.<\/p>\n<p>According to Labuan Bajo Class II Immigration data, the victims\nentered Indonesia on 14 May 2026 via I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali,\nusing a Visa on Arrival for tourism purposes.<\/p>\n<p>The tragedy has sparked harsh criticism over public facility\nmaintenance at Cunca Wulang. Locals reported the wooden bridge had long\nbeen in poor condition. Despite repair proposals submitted since 2022,\nno action has been taken by relevant authorities.<\/p>\n<p>West Manggarai Deputy Regent Yulianus Weng confirmed the area is a\nregional government asset. The government is currently focused on\nhumanitarian efforts and coordination with the Austrian Embassy.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Upon receiving the report, we immediately coordinated with Polri,\nSAR, immigration, and hospitals for initial assistance. Our primary\nfocus is on the victims,\u2019 said Yulianus on Sunday (24 May).<\/p>\n<p>In response to safety criticism, Yulianus assured a comprehensive\nreview of all land-based tourist destinations in Manggarai Barat. \u2018We do\nnot want similar incidents in the future. A thorough assessment of\ninfrastructure will be conducted,\u2019 he stated.<\/p>\n<p>Head of Labuan Bajo Class II Immigration Office Charles Christian\nMathaus confirmed coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and\nAustrian representatives for repatriating the bodies.<\/p>\n<p>The Cunca Wulang tragedy serves as a stark reminder to policymakers\nthat national super-priority destinations must uphold robust\ninfrastructure safety standards, not just promote natural beauty.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/two-austrian-tourists-killed-at-cunca-wulang-labuan-bajo-infrastructure-under-scrutiny-1780343885",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}