Labuan Bajo continues to solidify its status as a top destination for international travelers, with its captivating natural beauty drawing more attention each year. From January to September 2024, a total of 24 cruise ships made their way to this breathtaking region, carrying both local and international visitors eager to explore its stunning landscapes and world-famous Komodo National Park.
Data from the Class II Immigration Office TPI Labuan Bajo, under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham) of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), shows that these ships brought in 23,225 international tourists and 116 domestic tourists. The head of the Labuan Bajo Immigration Office, Jaya Mahendra, emphasized that most of these cruise ships came from Australia, with other travelers hailing from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and more.
“These cruise ships anchor in Komodo National Park. Most of the tourists are from Australia, but we also see visitors from America, the UK, and other countries,” Jaya Mahendra said, as quoted from Antara on October 11, 2024.
Jaya explained that the immigration checks for foreign nationals aboard these vessels are conducted in collaboration with customs authorities. Additionally, the Komodo National Park Office participates in the oversight process. Immigration officers perform inspections directly on the ships to verify that tourists’ passports are valid and authentic.
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“We conduct these checks to ensure that they (foreign nationals) are not on any exclusion lists, meaning they are not blacklisted from entering Indonesia. We also verify visa ownership and record their data as part of the inspection,” he added.
For tourists with valid documents and no legal issues, entry into Indonesia, including Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai, is granted. Jaya encouraged foreign visitors and tour operators to use the e-visa system, which makes the visa application process easier and more convenient.
“Now, visas can be processed electronically. We recommend that travel agents, both local and international, inform their clients about the e-visa system, which allows applications to be submitted anytime and anywhere, eliminating the need for in-person visits upon arrival,” Jaya noted.
Labuan Bajo, nestled in the heart of East Nusa Tenggara, is recognized as one of Indonesia’s five Super Priority Tourism Destinations. With its pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and iconic Komodo dragons, it’s no wonder the area remains a magnet for foreign visitors. This rising popularity has sparked discussions among Indonesian authorities to consider a visa-free entry policy for certain regions, including Labuan Bajo.
Silmy Karim, Director General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, revealed that the government is currently reviewing the possibility of visa-free entry for specific regions with high tourism potential. This initiative could significantly boost tourism and the local economy.
“There are a lot of factors to consider before we implement such a policy. For instance, we need to evaluate the availability of airline services. If there aren’t enough flights to these areas, promoting the destination becomes meaningless. We also need to assess the existing infrastructure, such as hotels and accommodations,” Silmy explained during a media briefing at The Ritz Carlton SCBD in South Jakarta on October 16, 2024.
Silmy believes that a visa-free policy in these key tourism areas could unlock greater opportunities for Indonesia’s travel and creative sectors, driving further economic growth and making destinations like Labuan Bajo even more accessible to travelers worldwide.