Tourism Ministry says Labuan Bajo activities prioritise safety
The Tourism Ministry has stated that tourism activities in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, have returned to normal after the province was shaken by an earthquake, with visitor safety being prioritised.
“Labuan Bajo remains open to tourists and tourism activities are generally running. However, we continue to ask all tourists and tourism operators to prioritise safety and follow every directive from the relevant authorities because aftershocks are still occurring,” said Tourism Minister Widiyanti in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Sunday.
The ministry, through the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Agency (BPOLBF), continues to monitor the condition of hotels, restaurants, cafes, tourist destinations, public facilities and accessibility in Labuan Bajo and the wider Flores region. Based on BPOLBF monitoring up to Saturday (22/8) at 19.00 WITA, Komodo National Park remains open with normal activity and sailings to the area are operating as usual.
The Compang Liang Ndara Tourism Village reopened on Saturday (22/8), while the Wae Lolos Tourism Village continues to receive tourist visits.
BPOLBF has also activated an information service to respond to tourist enquiries regarding destination conditions and travel safety following the earthquake.
BPOLBF and the Labuan Bajo Harbourmaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) have clarified that information about the temporary closure of sailings to Padar Island and Komodo Port is incorrect. The advisory in force relates to the potential for high waves and strong winds in the southern part of the Sape Strait.
In terms of connectivity, Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo operated normally according to its flight schedule on Saturday (22/8).
All monitored ports are also still serving ship and passenger operations while continuing to prioritise safety. Pioneer services continue to run and there have been no requests for route deviations.
The Tourism Ministry stated that conditions in Labuan Bajo need to be distinguished from a number of other areas in Flores that still require further handling and safety assessments.
“Conditions in each area are not the same. Therefore, tourists who will continue their journey from Labuan Bajo to other areas in Flores are asked to always check the latest information regarding the condition of destinations, roads, airports and telecommunications services,” said Minister Widiyanti.
As of Saturday (22/8), several main land routes in Flores have returned to function, while some others are still being handled.
Data compiled by BPOLBF indicates that as of Saturday (22/8) at 18.00 WIB, thousands of aftershocks have been recorded following the main Flores earthquake.
Widiyanti asked tourists to remain calm but alert, and to use official government information as a reference when travelling. She stated that tourism recovery must proceed together with the recovery of communities affected by the earthquake in various parts of Flores.