The Community is Actively Involved in the Development of Ecotourism Facilities on Padar Island
JAKARTA – Plans to develop ecotourism facilities on Padar Island in Komodo National Park (KNP) are currently under public scrutiny. Amid concerns about the environmental impact, the government has emphasized that conservation remains a priority, with strict governance, monitoring technology, and active involvement of the local community.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that any use of Padar Island must comply with the principle of ecological precaution. Development, if undertaken, will only be permitted within the limited use zone, with visitor quotas in accordance with the carrying capacity. Permitted infrastructure will be non-permanent and removable to avoid damaging the ecosystem.
“Padar Island will be safe because the process involved an in-depth environmental impact study, including the involvement of UNESCO,” he said.
PT Komodo Wildlife Ecotourism (KWE), which has held a utilization permit since 2014, is currently undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process involving the local government, tourism stakeholders, NGOs, and local residents. At a public consultation forum in Labuan Bajo, several parties highlighted the importance of making a tangible contribution to West Manggarai Regency.
The Komodo National Park Management Agency (BPTNK), P. Marsel Agot and Ludgerius Minus, believe that the management of part of Padar Island has not had a significant impact on the region. They are urging a more equitable revenue-sharing scheme through Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) and direct contributions to the community.
“West Manggarai deserves a larger share because TNK provides the largest income compared to other national parks,” Father Marsel emphasized.
Responding to this, the Head of the Sub-Directorate for Utilization of Natural Tourism Environmental Services, Dr. Johan Setiawan, revealed that the government is preparing new regulations that provide greater space for direct contributions to the regions.
From a technical perspective, BRIN researcher Destika Cahyana emphasized two key points: land status must comply with regulations, and formal community involvement is a prerequisite. She encouraged the establishment of institutions such as cooperatives or village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) to enable residents to become strategic partners, not mere spectators. The proportion of green space to buildings must also be maintained to prevent erosion and maintain sea quality.
The government emphasized that the ecotourism model on Padar Island will prioritize benefit-sharing, namely the equitable distribution of benefits between managers and the community. The proposed scheme includes formal partnerships with village cooperatives, quotas for local guides, and the use of logistics services from local providers.
With this policy framework, conservation remains the primary goal, ecotourism the tool, communities the subject, and science the compass. Through strict monitoring, active citizen involvement, and success indicators that measure both ecological and socio-economic aspects, the government is optimistic that Padar Island can be managed sustainably.
Antoni added that world heritage sites such as Komodo and the landscape of Padar Island must be protected with intelligent vigilance—not total fear.
“Protecting doesn’t mean confining, but rather teaching humans to live in harmony within their ecological boundaries,” he concluded.
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