Recently the internet was struck by a picture of a Komodo dragon in the path of a truck carrying construction equipment for the development of "Jurassic Park" in Komodo National Park. This Jurassic Park is Jokowi's move to develop the tourism sector in Labuan Bajo. 

 

The development of tourism sector has become one of the priorities of the Jokowi administration since 2014. A policy that took shape in 2017 with an ambitious national program “10 New Bali” which notably includes Labuan Bajo, the host village of Komodo National Park. In addition, to complete and accelerate this process, in 2019, the State developed a new program called super priority destinations, which will be granted more extensive support. 

 

As one of the most valuable tourism assets, the Komodo National Park commands the full attention of local authorities and the state because of its economic importance. It is also the spearhead of the new sustainable tourism policies that have been developed. These policies seek to include local populations to increase their involvement.  

 

It is undeniable that the Park is an economic asset for local population, whether by increasing tourism revenues or creating new jobs but it also poses limits. Today the inhabitants are solicited for crafts, marketing, guided tours and even they are involved in the construction of "Jurassic Park" in the area. However, the question remains, to what extent their involvement is considered in the development of the Komodo National Park? Do they hold strategic or key positions that allow them making decisions for their own island? 

 

The vision of sustainable tourism advocated by the managers of the National Park, when implemented properly based on local participation, will create direct impacts on socio-economic, environmental and socio-cultural practices.

 

We have seen it through the established zoning system whereby the Park has imposed on the inhabitants, particularly the fishermen regarding zones of lawlessness and zones where they are allowed to continue their normal activities. They have restricted fishermen in their own island, forced them to switch to other professions, and pushed locals to relocate from the heart of the Park to settle on the coasts. Today, the National Park has contributed effectively to the economic development of the island, yet from the managerial perspective, we have been able to identify limits that are perhaps more subject to a social aspect of sustainable tourism. In addition, a more in-depth economic impact study could possibly gauge more precisely the economic contribution of the Park. Established since 1980, the Park still remains in one of the poorest provinces of the country and after 40 years of existence, an economic leverage effect could have, should have been felt for the whole of its Province. The park is today promoted for its natural resources but it could aspire to more, it could be a showcase of the cultural customs and habits of the inhabitants of Komodo, of the island, but also of its Province, to be a place of promotion for the cultural richness of the territory.

 

The concerns of the managers of the National Park that focus on the primary missions to protect and conserve the natural ecosystems of both fauna and flora, have certainly caused social impacts and contributed to increase local people’s awareness. However, it should be emphasized that the local populations of Komodo Island, those who existed before the establishment of the National Park, do not need to learn about harmonious coexistence with nature. Respecting their environment, living and surviving with it, these local populations have acquired its knowledge from generation to generation through their personal experiences and the presence of managers or scientists could not claim to instill their ways of life. On the other hand, through their presence and through awareness-raising operations, managers have enabled these local populations to consider nature, not as a resource meeting primary needs, but as an endangered wealth which requires that human accompanies in its protection, in its preservation.

 

The problems relating to the degradation of ecosystems do not only come from population local lifestyles but also from the growing tourist frequentation that the Park generates. In addition, this same tourism development has contributed to the change in the initial lifestyles of the populations, developing trades as tourist guides or artisans, and developing new practices. If we raise the problem of waste, the problem of releasing plastic into nature will get bigger when the park is converted into tourism. In addition, if Park managers consider it necessary to make population locals aware of sustainable tourism and new environmental practices, they also have to consider the socio-cultural impacts on the area.

 

Since the tourism sector was introduced, the inhabitants of Komodo Island have developed a taste for gain, an appetite for profit. In this case, we need to ascertain if these local populations display their traditions and culture only for tourist entertainment and if they only operate a folklorizations of their culture in order to entertain the visitors?

 

In order to preserve the local culture, cultural events such as the Komodo Festival, which was held for the last time in 2018, clearly make it possible to promote local knowledge, to highlight the different cultures that occur on the island of Komodo at an event. By establishing a regular event where the different ethnic groups of the island can expose themselves to visitors, the organizers allow, to a certain extent, a perpetuation of know-how, a transmission of cultures. By exhibiting arts, such as traditional dances, the event helps raise awareness among the youngest, generations to come, and make them aware of the breadth of their heritage, the richness of their culture. However, the question that arises is whether cultural events are always held by the local government? And do these cultural events allow all elements of society to participate?

 

 

In the end, if the government really wants to promote sustainable tourism in the Komodo National Park, all tourism development strategies such as “Jurassic Park” must consider reaping benefits in all socio-cultural, environmental and socio-economic aspects. The various initiatives related to sustainable tourism in Komodo National Park are encouraging but they must also be fair only for both local population and the National Park to properly fulfil its role as the keys to economic development for one of the poorest provinces in the country.

 

 

 

 

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