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THE Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is strengthening cross-sector coordination to accelerate the recovery of disaster-affected tourism destinations while ensuring tourist safety and the sustainability of local livelihoods.
“For us, the principle is clear: protect people first, accelerate the recovery of destinations and community livelihoods, maintain tourist confidence, and rebuild in a safer and more resilient manner,” said Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana during the Ministry’s Monthly Performance Report in Jakarta on Friday, (9/11), 2026.
Widiyanti stated that these efforts are being carried out through coordination with relevant ministries and agencies, local governments, destination managers, associations, industry players, and the community to address the impact of disasters in several regions.
“In the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru area, for instance, the Ministry of Tourism is coordinating with the Ministry of Forestry—which manages the area—after forest fires led to the suspension of tourism activities. The government is also ensuring that tourists receive information regarding destination conditions, as well as details on refund and rescheduling mechanisms during the closure period,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Labuan Bajo and the Flores region, the Ministry of Tourism is coordinating with local governments, the Labuan Bajo and Flores Tourism Authority Agency, associations, and industry players following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that impacted the tourism sector.
Several destinations were temporarily closed, while tourist attractions, accommodation facilities, access infrastructure, and tourism villages sustained damage. Some activities also had to be postponed or cancelled.
Subsequently, the West Manggarai Regency Government reported that tourism activities in Labuan Bajo have resumed and the area is able to welcome tourists normally. The flow of tourist visits has also remained relatively stable following the earthquake.
Komodo National Park and Padar Island have also reopened after temporary closures implemented for tourist safety. Various land-based tourist attractions continue to operate, with a continued focus on ensuring tourist safety. In Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, the Ministry of Tourism has also taken response measures following a fire that struck the Sade Traditional Village.
Widiyanti explained that data from August 27, 2026, indicates that 75 dwellings were completely destroyed, another 20 dwellings outside the Sade hamlet were affected, and 11 meeting places along with various supporting facilities suffered losses estimated at IDR33.84 billion.
For short-term relief, the Ministry of Tourism is ensuring the community’s basic needs are met through food and logistical support, public kitchens, trauma counseling, technical guidance, and the empowerment of tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis).
She explained, meanwhile, for the long term, the Ministry of Tourism is promoting an action plan involving various ministries, agencies, local governments, partners, and the indigenous community to draft a Reconstruction Master Plan for Sade Traditional Village, consolidate reconstruction support through a single-entry system, and build habitable housing.
“Crucially, the reconstruction process for Sade must be carried out in collaboration with the community and stakeholders to preserve the character and cultural identity of the Sasak people,” she stated.
During these coordination efforts, the Ministry of Tourism and stakeholders also discussed the development of the Lombok-Gili Tramena area, aiming for tourism growth that emphasizes quality and delivers direct benefits to the local community.
Separately, the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau—which impacted Lampung, Banten, Jakarta, and West Java—led to the cancellation of 4,132 flights and affected 450,000 passengers.
She urged online travel agencies (OTAs) and travel bureaus to invoke *force majeure* clauses, ensuring full ticket refunds and allowing rescheduling without additional fees.
Likewise, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa added that tourist safety, clear information, and the accelerated recovery of destinations are the government’s priorities in addressing the impact of disasters on the tourism sector.
“Therefore, tourist safety, clear information, and the accelerated recovery of destinations are our priorities,” Ni Luh affirmed.
According to her, coordination between ministries and destination managers must be continuously strengthened, particularly regarding fire mitigation and risk management during the dry season. [traveltext.id]
