Regent Establishes Labuan Bajo Maritime Tourism Task Force; Bunaken Becomes a Lesson
Regent Edistasius Endi of Manggarai Barat has formed the Maritime Tourism Coordination and Synergy Task Force (Satgas) to strengthen the governance and synergy of maritime tourism in Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The Task Force, which involves multiple agencies, will regulate as well as oversee various aspects of maritime tourism in the area.
“The existence of this Satgas is an important instrument to prevent a decline in the quality of the destination, and to draw lessons from the experience of other destinations that have deteriorated due to governance that is not optimal,” Endi said as he chaired the Satgas socialisation meeting in Labuan Bajo on Thursday (21 May 2026).
Endi stressed the importance of safeguarding the tourism ecosystem through a mature governance system. He cited Bunaken marine tourism in Manado, which used to be crowded with visitors but has since suffered a drastic decline due to coral reef damage and the loss of natural attractions.
“Let it not happen in Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat,” Endi urged.
The Regent also conveyed a philosophy of the difference between tourism and mining. “Tourism, like mining, has its periodic cycles. If you mine continuously, the deposits will be reduced; but tourism, when cared for, shines brighter. Our task is to ensure that tourism keeps shining,” Endi explained.
The Satgas will oversee and regulate eight main aspects of maritime tourism in Manggarai Barat. The eight aspects include governance of tour boats, resorts or maritime tourism accommodation businesses, and aquaculture activities within the maritime tourism area.
Additionally, the Satgas will oversee travel agents, tour operators, tour guides, dive operators, and water sports activities.
The Satgas emphasises cross‑agency collaboration, involving KSOP, Polairud, the Indonesian Navy (TNI Angkatan Laut), the Police, the Attorney General’s Office (Kejaksaan), the Customs, and Immigration. Each agency will perform its duties according to its powers, but work in a coordinated and integrated manner within a single satgas.
“We are not overlapping the duties of other agencies, but we are carrying out our respective tasks together,” Endi said.