Community Actively Involved in 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 management, 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 involves a thorough environmental impact assessment, including the involvement of UNESCO,” he said.
PT Komodo Wildlife Ecotourism (KWE), the holder of the utilization permit since 2014, is currently in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process involving the local government, tourism stakeholders, NGOs, and local residents. During a public consultation forum in Labuan Bajo, several parties highlighted the importance of real contributions to West Manggarai Regency.
Board members of the Komodo National Park Care Agency (BPTNK), Father Marsel Agot and Ludgerius Minus, assessed that the management of parts of Padar Island has not had a significant impact on the region. They urged a fairer revenue-sharing scheme through Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) and direct contributions to the community.
“West Manggarai deserves a larger share because KNK provides the largest revenue compared to other national parks,” Father Marsel emphasized.
Responding to this, the Head of the Sub-Directorate for Utilization of Environmental Services for Natural Tourism, Dr. Johan Setiawan, revealed that the government is preparing new regulations that provide greater scope for direct contributions to the region.
From a technical perspective, BRIN researcher Destika Cahyana emphasized two important points: land status must comply with regulations, and formal community involvement must be a requirement. She encouraged the establishment of institutions such as cooperatives or Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) so that residents 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 fair distribution of benefits between managers and the community. The designed 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 objective, ecotourism becomes the tool, the community becomes the subject, and science becomes the compass. Through strict monitoring, active community 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 like the Komodo dragon and the Padar Island landscape must be protected with intelligent vigilance—not total fear.
“Protecting doesn’t mean confining, but teaching humans to live in harmony within their ecological boundaries,” he concluded.
(*/rls)
