Regional Council Highlights 600 Tour Boats Operating Without Permits in Labuan Bajo

The Harapan Baru faction of the West Manggarai Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has revealed that more than 600 tour boats operating in the waters of Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), lack operational permits. These hundreds of tour boats are reported to be failing to contribute to the West Manggarai regional original income (PAD).

Out of a total of 812 tour boats operating in Labuan Bajo, only 200 vessels possess the necessary permits and contribute to the West Manggarai PAD. This information was disclosed during the general view of the Harapan Baru faction regarding the Draft Regional Regulation (Ranperda) on the Accountability of the 2025 West Manggarai Regional Budget Implementation, during a plenary session of the West Manggarai DPRD on Monday (8/6/2026). The general view from the joint faction of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and Perindo was read by Bernadus Ambat.

“The Harapan Baru faction notes a leakage in PAD from the marine tourism sector, which has long been the backbone of the region. From a total of approximately 812 tour boats operating in Labuan Bajo waters, only about 200 boats have permits and are recorded as contributing to the West Manggarai Regency PAD,” explained Bernadus.

“Meanwhile, more than 600 other boats are operating without clear legality. This certainly cannot be allowed, as it has the potential to result in a large loss of regional revenue,” continued the Perindo politician.

The Harapan Baru faction is urging the government to take enforcement action against tour boats operating without permits in the Labuan Bajo waters. Additionally, tour boat agents must establish offices in Labuan Bajo to ensure easier monitoring.

“We request that boat agents maintain offices in Labuan Bajo so they can be easily controlled,” Bernadus asserted.