KOMODO ECOLOGICAL TOURISM CENTER

• Main Author: Khomara, Raissa
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/51534
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The Komodo Dragon (Varanus Komodoensis) is the largest species of lizard family in the world, which locals also call “ora”. Some of the islands in Komodo District area the only areas where Komodo Dragon live, which makes the conservation of that specific areas are very important. Apart from the existence of Komodo Dragons, Komodo District is also included in The Coral Triangle region, which is a vast network of coral reefs that connect the ocean around the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste where many species of marine animals live. 605 of 798 types of coral reefs in the world are found in The Coral Triangle region, even 15 types of coral reefs are only found in that area. Coral reefs area a fragile ecosystem and need more care and protection. The beauty and uniqueness of Komodo District is starting to attract local and foreign tourist to visit, as well as the government’s interest in developing tourism in Komodo District, with the plan to develop airports and ports in Labuan Bajo to facilitate transportation. With the increasing number of tourism activities, the threat of environmental damage (nature and cultural) is getting higher, so that the development of ecotourism in the area is very important in the aspect of sustainability. The concept of ecotourism is important to be realized. According to Mukhlison (2000), ecotourism can be defined as a form of tourism that is responsible for the preservation of unspoiled areas, provides economic benefits and maintains cultural integrity for the community, a form of tourism that is very closely related to conservation principles. Thus, ecotourism is very appropriate to be applied in Komodo District. In developing tourism, facilities and infrastructure for the development of ecotourism area needed, including cooperation from local communities, tourist, stake holder, and the government. However, there is still problems like 1) lack of public awareness of protecting the environment 2)The attitude taken by tourist that resulting in damaging the tourist attraction 3)The government is not strict enough about the regulation or law that meant for protection of tourist attraction 5)and the operation of tourism businesses in Komodo District is not accordance with the principles of ecotourism. By providing information, data, exhibitions, the introduction of regional culture, it can facilitate access, promote, explore, and unify the vision of the subjects that play a role in shaping ecotourism and tourism experiences in Komodo District. In supporting the development of ecotourism in Komodo District, a Information Center is needed, by directing and unifying visions for subjects who take part in changes and developments.