Securing Labuan Bajo From Terrorism

JAKARTA, Oct 4 (Antara) - Among the tourist attractions in the the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo must be secured from the threat of terrorism as the area remains a leading destination for both local and foreign tourists. Having been named as one of the 10 main tourist destinations in Indonesia, Labuan Bajo on the western tip of Flores Island in West Manggarai District is a gateway for foreign tourists to other destinations in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. Therefore, the police, in cooperation with the local community and other public elements, continue to make efforts to block the entry of terrorist groups in the region bordering to the province of West Nusa Tenggara. In addition to its geographic position, Labuan Bajo, which is one of the tourist areas, is certainly very open to the entry of all the people from various directions, including the possibility of terrorist groups, so that this undesirable thing should be wary of. Speaking through the Public Relations spokesman Senior Commissioner Jules Abraham Abast, East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Inspector General Agung Sabar Santosa remarked in the provincial city of Kupang on Monday that Labuan Bajo is a world tourist destination for many people, including the possibility of terrorist groups. For that reason, Santosa said Labuan Bajo would be of particular concern to local police who would continue to raise awareness of the possible entry of terrorist groups. Offering a wide range of tourist facilities, the West Manggarai district town of Labuan Bajo remains a world famous tourist destination in Indonesia. Labuan Bajo is a launch point for both local and international tourists to explore the islands interiors and visit the giant dragons of Komodo on Rinca Island. Institutionally the East Nusa Tenggara Police has conducted a meeting with the community and all its components in Labuan Bajo as part of a cooperative effort to anticipate the entry of terrorists in the area. In the meeting, it was agreed that the participation of the community and all public elements was needed to check each newcomer in their respective residence. "It is important to know the possibility of newcomers, or groups of strangers who have a working line with terrorists that will disrupt the security and stability in Labuan Bajo," he remarked. With that cooperation with the community and public elements, it is believed that the condition of Labuan Bajo as a tourist area will continue to be safe and can be controlled. In addition to securing the territory of Labuan Bajo, the East Nusa Tenggara Police will soon place tourism police personnel in the area to ensure the security and comfort of visiting tourists. In recent years, Labuan Bajo has gradually transformed into a busy spot due to the presence of divers and the rising number of visitors to Komodo. In the coming years, the area will continue to be a top tourist destination owing to the wide range of tourism facilities it offers. Based on the results of a poll conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, Labuan Bajo received an award recognizing it as the most preferred international tourist destination. The award was presented by the tourism minister in Jakarta in early December 2016. The winner was selected after a rigorous evaluation process that involved viewing all worldwide tourism records and comparing them with those in Labuan Bajo. An indicator supporting the award came from a survey conducted by CNN, which stated that Labuan Bajo is the world's second-best snorkeling site after Raja Ampat in West Papua. Labuan Bajo has several tourist destinations, including Pede Beach, the stone mirrors, Rinca Island and its dragons, and the snake cave, which have always attracted tourists from around the world. East Nusa Tenggara indeed needs direct international flights to support its plan to boost its tourism industry, according to local Culture and Tourism Office Chief Marius Ardu Jelamu. Jelamu said no direct international flights are available to and from NTT to facilitate transport of foreign tourists to the province. "The number of foreign tourists visiting the province last year was much smaller than that of domestic tourists," he noted. He said that of the 882,395 tourist arrivals in the province in 2016, only 112,433 constituted foreign tourists. According to him, the number of foreign tourists could easily increase if the province can offer two-way direct international flights. The province, which comprises several small islands, is no less attractive than other tourist destinations in the country or even the world, he said, pointing to Labuan Bajo just across Komodo Island, one of the wonders of the world, with its ancient lizards. "Bali is crowded with foreign tourists, as visitors to the resort island have access to direct international flights," he stated. Hence, he called on the provincial administration to continue to coordinate with the central government to open direct international flights to and from any of the potential cities in the province. East Nusa Tenggara is blessed with at least eight natural wonders that must be developed optimally to boost the local economy and tourism. These natural wonders are Semana Santa in Larantuka, Nihiwatu Beach on Sumba Island, Alor Dive on Alor Island, Nemberalla Beach in Rote Ndao, Komodo Island, the Pink Beach on Padar Island, Taman 17 on Riung Island, and the tricolored lakes of Mount Kelimutu. Tourist attractions in the province have been promoted extensively by the local government, tourism department, relevant agencies, and private parties. East Nusa Tenggara has high tourism potential and will continue to be promoted intensively, so that both local and foreign tourists visiting the area can witness and enjoy the tourist attractions at various districts in the province.