Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has capped daily visitor numbers to Komodo National Park at 1,000, citing the need to protect its terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
The regulation follows a series of temporary sailing suspensions due to bad weather and night navigation bans across 10 maritime zones, compounding challenges for tourism players in East Nusa Tenggara.
Weather-related suspensions since December have already disrupted itineraries and bookings. Wayan Suena, CEO of Indonesia Impression, told TTG Asia that several groups were unable to depart, resulting in cancellations late last year.
Sari, reservation and contracting manager at Floressa Bali Tours, faced similar setbacks. “I had a group from Taiwan who were supposed to sail to Komodo, but the weather wasn’t (good) last month. They ended up going to Marine Park in Bali to see Komodo. It wasn’t ideal, and a group from Germany decided to cancel the trip altogether.”
Oyan Kristian, chairman of ASITA East Nusa Tenggara, said compliance with safety directives is non-negotiable, but urged policymakers to consider economic sustainability in a tourism-dependent destination. The quota system, he noted, adds operational complexity.
Hendrikus Rani Siga, head of Komodo National Park Management, said in a statement that the quota will apply across all Komodo National Park Natural Tourist Attractions, with a trial period beginning in March 2026.
Industry players have questioned the need for the cap. Sari observed that daily arrivals rarely exceed 1,000 visitors, except during cruise calls or the summer peak season.
Suena echoed the view. “I don’t think customer restrictions are necessary. The Komodo area isn’t just one island; it comprises dozens of islands that allow for spatial distribution.”
Operators said the key issue is coordination and predictability. Leonardus Nyoman, owner of Flores Exotic Tour, warned that misalignment between institutions has created uncertainty.
“When a policy is not aligned across institutions, it creates confusion and damages the destination’s image. People may start questioning their reasons for going to Komodo because the process has become complicated. It also affects business. Tour operators promote the destination in advance, and if guests arrive only to find the quota suddenly full, it becomes a serious problem,” he said.
He called for closer coordination between the Port and Harbour Authority, the park authority and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency.
In response, tour operators are seeking to mitigate potential losses by diverting travel plans beyond Komodo National Park. Wayan has introduced new programmes to Alor for dugong snorkelling and to Sumbawa for whale shark experiences in Saleh Bay. Others are promoting destinations such as Sumba, East Flores and new experiences in Labuan Bajo, while encouraging visitors to extend their stay to three or four days, positioning Komodo as part of a broader Flores itinerary rather than the sole highlight.
