Detik.com reports that the world-renowned Komodo National Park (BTNK) has plans to close the Komodo National Park to all tourism activities. The surprise announcement did not detail if the Komodo National Park, covering a massive area of 1,817 square kilometers, including 603 square kilometers of island lands, would be partially closed or shut down in its entirety shut down, or would close only for specified periods.
According to Hendrikus Rani Siga, the head of BTNK, who spoke on Monday, 15 July 2024, the proposed closure of the Park is expected to commence in mid-2025.
The planned closure remains under review and consideration by the Park Operators in cooperation with local partners and community members. “Certainly, we will consider the management needs and the public’s response. There is a chance that the Komodo National Park could be closed completely,” explained Hendrikus.
Pressed further, Hendrikus listed four reasons that tourism activities at the Komodo National Park need to face some degree of closure.
First, the Komodo National Park needs to recover from the intense tourism activities of the past. Hendrikus explained that, given the Park’s vast natural resources, the local environment needs to be given “a rest” following its growing use for tourism purposes.
Secondly, by closing Komodo Park, other tourist destinations on Flore’s mainland will indirectly benefit from diverting visitors from the world-famous Park.
Third, and somewhat redundantly, Hendrikus said the closing of Komodo and the above controversial view that tourists originally destined to visit Komodo National Park would now seek an alternate travel destination on Flores and surrounding islands.
Fourthly, Hendrikus contends that better control over human and natural resources, existing infrastructure elements, and closer cooperation with the local population would enhance the management of the Park and surrounding areas’ resources in the future.
The sudden announcement regarding plans to close the Komodo National Park remains vague and unclear. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
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