Tourists planning to visit Komodo Island will need to take note of new rules coming soon. Komodo Island, one of Indonesia’s most iconic destinations, will soon enforce stricter visitor limits. Beginning in 2026, only 1,000 tourists per day will be allowed to enter Komodo National Park. The new rule is part of the government’s effort to protect the fragile ecosystem from the pressures of mass tourism.
The Ministry of Forestry announced the measure after years of rising visitor numbers. Data from 2024 showed over 300,000 tourists visited the park, a figure that experts say could threaten both land and marine environments.
Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), Satyawan Pudyatmoko, highlighted the risks, explaining that unchecked tourism could damage natural habitats and even affect the visitor experience itself.
“The impact includes potential threats of degradation to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, as well as discomfort for tourists,” said Satyawan in an interview with Antara on October 8, 2025.
To prevent further strain, the ministry will regulate visitor numbers using a quota system designed through scientific studies on the park’s carrying capacity. The new system will be implemented gradually through the SiOra digital platform.
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In the initial phase, daily visits will be capped at 1,000 people, divided into three sessions of about 300 to 330 visitors each. Between October and December 2025, authorities will run public education and trial simulations. The first pilot phase is set for January 2026, while full enforcement of the quota will begin in April of the same year.
The decision comes amid increasing concerns about overcrowding on Padar Island, one of the park’s main attractions. Images of long lines of tourists climbing the trail to Padar’s summit recently sparked public debate about the need for stricter regulation.
Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni had earlier voiced similar concerns. In August, he directed his team to start limiting the number of tourists visiting Padar Island. He stressed that tourism in Komodo National Park should remain focused on ecotourism principles rather than mass tourism.
According to him, the current situation on Padar Island resembles “a crowded marketplace,” a far cry from the peaceful and preserved environment expected of a conservation area. By introducing daily visitor caps, the government hopes to restore balance—protecting Komodo’s biodiversity while ensuring that tourism remains sustainable for years to come.
