Ecobiz.asia — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has imposed a visitor quota at Komodo National Park to preserve ecosystems and ensure sustainable tourism, setting a limit of 1,000 visitors per day.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni announced the policy during a hearing with Commission IV of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday (April 15, 2026).
The quota applies to three main destinations—Padar Island, Rinca Island, and Komodo Island—as well as 23 surrounding dive sites.
“The decision to limit tourist numbers is based on research showing that prolonged overtourism could damage the area and reduce its long-term attractiveness,” Raja Juli said.
The policy, effective from April 1, 2026, caps annual visits at around 365,000. The minister said the measure followed an extensive consultation process since May 2025 involving stakeholders and tourism operators in Labuan Bajo.
He added that the move aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to promote eco-tourism that preserves natural assets while supporting local livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Deputy Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki said the government is exploring ex-situ conservation of Komodo dragons as an alternative tourism option without disturbing their natural habitat.
“We are planning to develop Komodo breeding programs outside the national park, which could serve as alternative tourist destinations,” he said.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to regularly assess the park’s carrying capacity and accelerate the development of ex-situ conservation as part of efforts to strengthen ecosystem support systems and diversify tourism destinations. ***
