Labuan Bajo Tourism Activities Resume After Flores Earthquake

RRI.CO.ID, Labuan Bajo - The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, together with the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF), has confirmed that tourism activities in Labuan Bajo have returned to normal following the earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on August 15, 2026. Monitoring and impact assessments across the Floratama region are continuing to ensure tourist safety, assess the condition of destinations and tourism facilities, and provide tourists and tourism businesses with timely and accurate information.

The monitoring involves local governments, destination managers, tourism businesses, the Labuan Bajo Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP), airport operators, and other stakeholders. The efforts form part of the tourism sector’s post-disaster response in support of recovery measures coordinated by the central and local governments together with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

According to updated data as of August 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. Central Indonesia Time, tourism activities in Labuan Bajo were operating normally, smoothly, and in a stable condition, including at Marina Labuan Bajo Port. On the same day, the Labuan Bajo Class III KSOP recorded 308 tourist boats departing with 3,651 passengers, comprising 2,840 international tourists and 811 domestic tourists.

Access to Komodo National Park has also reopened after the Labuan Bajo KSOP authorized sailing activities. On August 16, 2026, approximately 1,381 tourists visited South Padar, 328 visited Loh Liang on Komodo Island, 277 visited Loh Buaya on Rinca Island, and 54 visited Gili Lawa. All tourists subsequently returned to Labuan Bajo and were observed carrying out activities normally at the Waterfront Marina.

Andhy MT Marpaung, Acting President Director of BPOLBF, emphasized that swift coordination among multiple stakeholders was key to the rapid recovery of tourism activities at the destination.

“The restoration of sailing activities and visits to Komodo National Park in such a short time did not happen on its own. It was the result of rapid coordination between the Labuan Bajo KSOP, area managers, local governments, and tourism businesses. We appreciate the prompt response of all parties,” Andhy said.

Meanwhile, Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo remains operational, with most flights operating according to schedule. Cancellations are still occurring on several routes to airports in areas of East Nusa Tenggara directly affected by the earthquake, particularly Haji Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende. BPOLBF continues to monitor air and sea transportation operations to maintain tourist connectivity.

Andhy also stressed that tourist safety remains the top consideration in every decision to open or temporarily close a destination. “First and foremost, we mourn the loss of lives. The fundamental principle for the tourism sector is that no destination will be opened until it has been declared safe. Temporary closures are a mitigation measure, not a suspension of tourism activities,” he affirmed.

Information on destination conditions, accommodation, accessibility, transportation, and supporting facilities continues to be collected and updated based on developments on the ground. BPOLBF urges tourists and tourism businesses to follow official information from the government, destination managers, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), BNPB, and other relevant authorities, particularly regarding potential aftershocks and changes in accessibility.

For information on destination conditions and tourism activities across Floratama, tourists and stakeholders can contact BPOLBF through its WhatsApp hotline at 0811-3879-4555.

The East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government has declared an Emergency Response Status for the NTT Earthquake through Governor’s Decree No. 305/KEP/HK/2026, effective for 14 days from August 15 to 28, 2026.

As of Sunday, August 16, BNPB recorded 53 fatalities, with 25 in Manggarai Regency, 20 in East Manggarai, four in Sikka, two in Ende, one in West Manggarai, and one in Nagekeo. The earthquake also caused injuries, damaged residential homes and public facilities, and forced residents in several areas to evacuate.

On Saturday night, August 15, the central government delivered 50,000 basic-needs packages to affected areas on Flores Island. The assistance was delivered directly by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Head of BNPB, and the Minister of Public Works, along with representatives from PLN, Telkom, and Pertamina, as well as the Deputy Minister of Health and Deputy Minister of Social Affairs. They subsequently held a disaster-response coordination meeting on Sunday morning, August 16, at the West Manggarai Regent’s Office in Labuan Bajo. BNPB has also mobilized emergency logistics and equipment by land, sea, and air to reach areas with limited access.