Tourist Vessels with Outstanding Local Taxes to Be Banned from Sailing in Labuan Bajo

Tourist vessels that are in arrears on local taxes and retributions to the West Manggarai Regency Government in East Nusa Tenggara will be prohibited from sailing. The settlement of local taxes and retributions will become a prerequisite for the issuance of a Sailing Approval Letter by the Labuan Bajo Class III Harbour Master and Port Authority Office.

The policy follows a letter from West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi to the Labuan Bajo Class III Harbour Master and Port Authority Office. In the letter dated 29 June 2026, Edi Endi requested that the office issue sailing permits only to vessels that have paid their taxes.

“The letter was officially received yesterday,” said the Head of the Labuan Bajo Class III Harbour Master and Port Authority Office, Stephanus Risdiyanto, when confirmed on Thursday (2/7/2026). Stephanus affirmed that his office will follow up on Edi Endi’s request. Every tourist vessel is required to settle its tax and retribution payments to be granted a sailing permit.

“They are asked to complete their obligations first in accordance with the provisions of the legislation,” Stephanus stressed. He explained that the West Manggarai Regency Government must submit evidence of tourist vessels that are in arrears on local taxes or retributions to his office, including proof of billing, warnings, and other evidence addressed to the vessel owners who have not paid.

“Yes, we support the local government’s regulatory policies. If it is proven that a vessel has violated regulations, whether local or other government rules, and we are asked to follow up on that evidence of violation,” Stephanus clarified.

The Head of the West Manggarai Regional Revenue Agency, Maria Yuliana Rotok, confirmed the existence of the Regent’s letter to the Labuan Bajo Class III Harbour Master. The effort is being made to optimise local tax collection. “Optimising local tax revenue,” said the official familiarly known as Leli.

It is known that the West Manggarai Regency Government collects accommodation service tax and food and beverage tax on tourist vessels operating in Labuan Bajo waters. The tax, which has been collected since 2024, is similar to hotel and restaurant taxes on land. The tax is levied at 10% of the accommodation service fee and food and beverage costs on board. However, many tourist vessels have not fulfilled this payment obligation.