Indonesia’s tourism sector is experiencing a surge, particularly in the renowned Komodo National Park. Over the period from January to March 2024, an impressive tally of 15 cruise ships chose to anchor at the picturesque destinations of Komodo Island and Rinca Island.
According to Oktavianus Malisan, the Head of the Traffic and Immigration Residence Permit Section, these 15 vessels brought in a total of 11,912 foreign tourists along with 6,865 crew members.
“The majority of these cruise ships hail from Australia, with additional visitors from East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia,” elucidated Oktavianus in a statement released on Tuesday (26/3/2024).
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Further detailing the influx, Oktavianus noted that the cruise ships made port at both Komodo Island and Rinca Island. This arrival, he emphasized, bodes exceptionally well for Indonesia’s tourism landscape, particularly benefiting the local populace of Labuan Bajo.
Jaya Mahendra, the Head of the Class II Immigration Office at the Immigration Inspection Place (TPI) Labuan Bajo, chimed in with additional insights. Mahendra highlighted the presence of a Sea Immigration Inspection Place within the Labuan Bajo Immigration Office, dedicated to processing immigration clearances for all passengers and crew members of incoming cruise ships.
“To enhance the experience for cruise ship passengers docking in Labuan Bajo, our immigration office conducts direct inspections onboard,” explained Mahendra. He elaborated on the initiative, known as Immigration on Shipping, which streamlines procedures and reduces wait times at the port.
Mahendra further emphasized the positive ripple effects of cruise ship arrivals in Labuan Bajo, underscoring the significant economic impact on the surrounding communities, particularly those residing in the vicinity of Komodo and Rinca Islands.
For information, Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Indonesia. It comprises several islands, including Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones. The park is famous for its population of Komodo dragons, the world’s largest living lizard species, which are found nowhere else in the world. The park also boasts diverse marine life, coral reefs, and beautiful landscapes, making it a popular destination for ecotourism and outdoor enthusiasts.
