BPOLBF Urges Tourists to Prioritise Safety During Visits
Kupang (ANTARA) - The Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) has urged tourists to prioritise safety while travelling in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, as tourism activities gradually recover following a recent earthquake.
The Acting President Director of BPOLBF, Andhy MT Marpaung, stated in a briefing received in Kupang, NTT, on Sunday, that the recovery of tourism activities is being conducted in stages, with the safety of tourists, local communities, and tourism stakeholders remaining the top priority.
“The recovery of tourism activities in several areas is a positive development. However, tourists still need to assess the condition of each individual destination as situations vary,” said Andhy.
He noted that as of Saturday (29/8) at 17:00 WITA, aftershocks continue to occur, with the total number of aftershocks following the earthquake on 15 August 2026 reaching 9,488 times.
He requested that tourists update their information from official sources, follow the directions of officers and destination managers, and refrain from forcing visits to areas that remain closed or have not yet been declared safe.
BPOLBF reminded that the gradual recovery of tourism activities does not mean all regions and destinations in Flores are in the same condition. Therefore, tourists need to verify the status of a destination before travelling.
Tourists are also asked to check the condition of road access, ports, flights, and accommodation, as well as to adhere to the regulations set by managers and local authorities.
Furthermore, tourists should monitor the latest information from BPOLBF, local governments, destination managers, BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency), BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency), KSOP (Sea and Coast Guard), airport operators, and other relevant authorities.
For destinations that are still closed or undergoing verification, tourists are advised not to force visits until the area is declared safe.
Specifically for maritime and water sports activities, tourists are requested to pay attention to weather conditions, waves, and wind, and to follow the instructions of officers before engaging in such activities.
BPOLBF also reminded tourists to remain calm if aftershocks occur and to follow the safety procedures provided by officers or destination managers.
BPOLBF, he added, continues to monitor the development of the tourism sector in Labuan Bajo and Flores and is updating information based on the results of coordination and verification with local governments and relevant stakeholders.
Through continuous monitoring, cross-party coordination, and compliance with safety directives, it is hoped that tourism activities in areas declared safe can proceed gradually and responsibly.