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THE MINISTRY of Tourism, 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 assessment across the Floratama region are ongoing to ensure tourist safety, assess the condition of destinations and tourism facilities, and disseminate prompt, accurate information to both tourists and business operators.
Monitoring efforts are being conducted in collaboration with local governments, destination managers, tourism business operators, the Labuan Bajo Harbormaster and Port Authority (KSOP), airport management, and other stakeholders. This initiative is part of the tourism sector’s response to support post-disaster management efforts coordinated by central and local governments alongside the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB).
Labuan Bajo Tourism Activities Return to Normal
Based on data updated as of August 16, 2026, at 19:00 WITA, tourism activities in Labuan Bajo are proceeding normally and smoothly, including at the Labuan Bajo Marina Port. On that day, the Class III KSOP Labuan Bajo recorded the departure of 308 tourist vessels carrying 3,651 passengers—comprising 2,840 international tourists and 811 domestic tourists.
Access to Komodo National Park has reopened following the KSOP’s authorization of sailing activities. Visitor numbers on August 16, 2026, included approximately 1,381 tourists at South Padar, 328 at Loh Liang (Komodo Island), 277 at Loh Buaya (Rinca Island), and 54 at Gili Lawa.
All tourists have returned to Labuan Bajo and have been observed engaging in normal activities at the Marina Waterfront. Andhy MT Marpaung, Acting President Director of BPOLBF, emphasized that rapid multi-stakeholder coordination is key to accelerating the recovery of activities at the destination.
“The swift recovery of shipping operations and visits to Komodo National Park did not happen on its own. It is the result of rapid coordination among the Labuan Bajo Harbormaster Office (KSOP), area management, local government, and business operators. We appreciate the prompt response from all parties involved,” stated Andhy.
Meanwhile, Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo remains operational, with the majority of flights running according to schedule. Cancellations are still occurring on several routes to airports in directly affected areas of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), particularly Haji Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende. BPOLBF continues to monitor air and sea transport operations to maintain connectivity for tourists.
Tourist Safety is the Priority
Andhy also emphasized that tourist safety is the primary consideration in every decision regarding the opening or closing of destinations.
“First and foremost, we mourn the casualties. A fundamental principle for the tourism sector is that no destination is opened until it is declared safe. Temporary closure is a mitigation measure, not a cessation of tourism activities,” Andhy asserted.
Information regarding destination conditions, accommodation, accessibility, transportation, and supporting facilities is continuously gathered and updated based on developments on the ground. BPOLBF urges tourists and tourism business operators to follow official information from the government, destination managers, BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency), BNPB (National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure), and other authorities—particularly regarding the potential for aftershocks and changes in accessibility. [traveltext.id]
