Daily Quota of 1,000 Tourists at Komodo National Park Could Disrupt West Manggarai's Regional Revenue

The West Manggarai Regency government in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) assesses that the policy limiting tourist visits to Komodo National Park to a maximum of 1,000 people per day could potentially impact Regional Original Revenue (PAD).

West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi stated that although the policy falls under the authority of the central government, the local government is still monitoring the economic implications it may cause, particularly for the tourism sector, which is the main pillar of PAD.

“We respect this policy as part of efforts to preserve the area. However, we also see the potential impact on regional revenue,” Endi said.

He emphasised that the local government has no authority in setting the visitor quota but bears responsibility for the community’s economic conditions and regional fiscal performance.

“The authority lies with the central government, but the impact is felt locally. This is what concerns us,” he said.

The West Manggarai Regency government will monitor the implementation of the policy, including its effects on regional revenue.

“We will observe how developments unfold on the ground, especially regarding the impact on PAD and the community’s economy,” Endi said.

At the legislative level, the West Manggarai DPRD has also highlighted the potential decline in PAD due to the policy. Komodo National Park is a flagship tourism destination in Labuan Bajo; if the visitor restriction policy is enforced, it will have a significant impact on regional revenue.

“So far, we have been aggressively promoting Labuan Bajo tourism with a target of 1 million visitors, but visits to Komodo National Park are limited; this will have a significant impact, with potential PAD decline if the number of visits is restricted,” said Benediktus Nurdin, Chairman of the West Manggarai DPRD.

The tourist visit restriction policy to Komodo National Park underwent a trial period from January to March 2026 before being fully implemented starting 1 April 2026.

The restriction of 1,000 tourists per day to Komodo National Park, which will take effect in April 2026, has drawn protests from tourism industry players in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, through the Komodo National Park Agency (BTNK), has officially limited tourist visits to Komodo National Park (TN Komodo) to a maximum of 1,000 people per day.

The plan to restrict tourist visits to Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to 1,000 people per day, to be enforced starting April 2026, has elicited various responses.