ASITA NTT: Emergency Response Period Does Not Affect Tourism in Flores
Kupang, NTT (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASpend) of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has stated that the extension of the earthquake emergency response period in Flores, which now lasts until 12 September 2026, does not affect tourism activities on Flores Island.
ASITA NTT Chairman Oyan Kristian, when contacted from Kupang on Monday, said that there have been no reports from ASITA NTT members regarding the cancellation of tours due to the extension of the emergency period.
“This extension of the emergency response period does not affect current tourism activities at all. There have been no cancellations; at least, ASITA NTT members have not informed us of any cancelled tours so far,” he said.
Previously, the NTT Provincial Government extended the emergency response period for handling the Flores earthquake by 14 days, effective from 29 August to 12 September 2026.
Oyan noted that tourism activities on Flores Island are returning to normal, with business operators continuing to provide the latest information to tourists and travel agents regarding the condition of tourist destinations.
ASITA NTT utilises a single-door information system from the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) as a primary reference for communicating field conditions to tourists and travel agent partners.
He stated that the reopening of several tourist destinations that have been declared safe is a positive step towards maintaining tourism activity.
“Several tourist destinations have been reopened over the last few days, such as Lake Kelimutu, which has been open since 25 August. We believe this is a good step to ensure that tourism activities continue to proceed,” he said.
He assessed that destinations declared safe based on assessment and monitoring results can be reopened and promoted to provide options for tourists wishing to visit Flores.
However, Oyan noted that destinations that still pose potential dangers, such as the Wae Rebo Traditional Village and Liang Bua, should remain temporarily closed until they are declared safe.
In his view, temporary closures are not an excessive measure but are part of the effort to ensure tourists can holiday safely and comfortably, particularly in anticipation of potential aftershocks.
He added that, in addition to the certainty of destination safety, tourism operators also require official and accurate information from the government regarding the current situation on the ground.
“We need validation from the government through correct and official information. Currently, we receive regular, almost daily, updates from BPOLBF,” he said.
This information, he continued, serves as a reference for businesses to communicate directly to tourists or through travel agent partners.
ASITA NTT also urged the government to accelerate the repair of public facilities and the Trans-Flores access roads affected by earthquakes and landslides to provide a sense of security for tourists, particularly for ‘Flores Overland’ tours.
In addition to road access, Oyan requested that buildings used by tourists in destination areas be inspected and ensured safe before being used again.
“For facilities and buildings in tourist destinations that might be used by tourists to rest or receive information about a destination, we request that these buildings be assessed and declared safe before tourists are allowed to enter,” he said.
He also hoped that the government would provide special budget support for the promotion and marketing of tourist destinations on Flores Island, including Komodo National Park, and involve the tourism industry in promotional activities outside the region.
“Naturally, promotion must continue by conveying positive information that is consistent with the latest conditions and facts on the ground, so that tourists have a clear picture of the destinations that are ready to receive visits following the Flores earthquake,” he concluded.