August 11, 2025 | 02:00 pm
The plan to build hundreds of villas on Padar Island, located within Komodo National Park, has sparked controversy. Critics argue that the project, led by PT Komodo Wildlife Ecotourism (KWE), poses environmental risks to the national park.
Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni stated that KWE has held a business permit since 2014. While regulations allow for nature-based tourism within the park's utilization zone, he emphasized that all activities must not harm the environment or disrupt the habitat of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).
According to a report by Antara, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be conducted by both the Indonesian government and UNESCO. Komodo National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
Raja Juli noted that only 10% of the allocated concession can be used for construction, with strict requirements on the types of buildings. For example, structures must be non-permanent, knockdown constructions rather than concrete buildings.
He confirmed that no physical construction has begun yet, as the UNESCO review and public consultations are still underway.
The plan has faced strong opposition from local residents and businesses who fear it will damage the ecosystem and negatively affect their livelihoods. Padar Island, situated between Komodo and Rinca islands, is known for its distinctive dry, hilly landscape, white sandy beaches, and as a habitat for rare animals, including Komodo dragons and endemic birds.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has also expressed serious concerns. During its 47th session in Paris in July 2025, the committee requested that the Indonesian government ensure the tourism model is genuinely sustainable and aligns with the evaluation results of the IUCN.
UNESCO also asked Indonesia to provide a progress report, including an evaluation from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which highlights the Komodo dragon's status as an endangered species.
Deputy Chairperson of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VII, Rahayu Saraswati, does not support the project. She believes that while tourism development is important, it should not compromise environmental sustainability or the rights of local communities.
Saraswati called for a reassessment of the construction permits and urged all stakeholders, including the provincial and local governments, and the Ministries of Environment and Tourism, to work together to find a solution that protects the environment and benefits local communities.
The Komodo National Park ecosystem is one of the most fragile in the world. Besides the Komodo dragons, the area is home to diverse coral reefs, tropical fish, and various endemic animals. Without rigorous management, construction, increased ship traffic, and a rise in tourist numbers could lead to environmental degradation.
Indigenous communities and civil society organizations in West Manggarai fear that the project could limit their access to natural resources and transform Padar Island into a commercialized, restricted tourism zone.
Editor's Choice: 7 Must-Visit National Parks in Indonesia, From Java to Bali
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