Tourism activities in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have generally resumed following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that shook Flores on 15 August 2026.

Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana confirmed that Komodo National Park remains open and sailings to the tourist area are operating normally. Komodo International Airport Labuan Bajo is also operating according to schedule.

“Labuan Bajo remains open to tourists and tourism activities are generally continuing. However, we continue to urge all tourists and tourism operators to prioritize safety,” said Widiyanti.

Several destinations in West Manggarai have also resumed operations, including Rangko Cave and Compang Liang Ndara Tourism Village. Wae Lolos Tourism Village also continues to welcome tourist visits.

Photo: Kemenpar

The Ministry of Tourism, through the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Agency (BPOLBF), continues to monitor the condition of hotels, restaurants, destinations, public facilities, and accessibility. Official information is also provided to help tourists obtain information related to travel safety.

Kemenpar reminds tourists not to easily believe unverified information. One example concerns reports of the closure of sailings to Padar Island and Komodo Port, which have been clarified as untrue. The applicable advisory concerns the potential for high waves and strong winds in the southern part of the Sape Strait.

Although activities in Labuan Bajo have resumed, tourists planning to continue their journey to other areas of Flores are asked to check the latest conditions regarding destinations, roads, airports, and telecommunications services, as conditions vary from one area to another.

Photo: Kemenpar

Widiyanti emphasized that the recovery of tourism needs to proceed alongside the recovery of communities affected by the earthquake. Labuan Bajo, as the main gateway for tourism in Flores, is expected to help maintain economic activity, while support continues to be provided to areas that are still in the emergency response and recovery stages. (Henry)