Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Tourism Minister (Kemenpar), Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, announced that as of November 13, 2024, at 6:00 PM local time (WITA), a total of 602 tourists remain stranded in Labuan Bajo. As many tourist still cannot leave the area due to Mount Lewotobi Eruptions, the government is actively working to ensure the safe evacuation.
The ongoing eruption of Mount Lewotobi in East Nusa Tenggara shows no signs of abating. Responding to the concerning conditions, Minister Widiyanti held an online meeting titled “Response to the Impact of Mount Lewotobi Eruption on the Tourism Sector” on Wednesday, November 13.
Minister Widiyanti assured that tourists currently stranded in Labuan Bajo and surrounding areas in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), near the epicenter of the Mount Lewotobi eruption, have access to necessary facilities during the evacuation process. Alternative exit routes are being made available to ensure their safe departure from the region.
The Labuan Bajo Port Authority (KSOP) has arranged several sea transport routes using ferries. These routes include departures from Labuan Bajo to Sape (Bima), Poto Tano (West Sumbawa), Kayangan (Lombok), Lembar (Lombok), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), and Benoa (Bali).
The Ministry of Tourism has also instructed tourism-related businesses, including transportation services and travel agencies, not to increase service fees during this emergency period.
Tourism Information Center
To address the crisis, the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Executing Agency (BPOLBF) has activated the Tourism Information Center (TIC) as a crisis center. This center provides the latest updates on alternative accessibility in and out of Labuan Bajo, as well as recommended activities for tourists during their stay. It also offers safety advisories related to the Mount Lewotobi eruptions.
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“We will continue emergency response efforts in close coordination with local authorities to ensure tourist safety. This includes activating the Tourism Information Center and establishing a Maritime Transport Readiness Post to facilitate the evacuation of tourists from Labuan Bajo,” Minister Widiyanti added.
For tourists seeking further information on evacuation procedures and mobility options, the Ministry of Tourism advises contacting Tourism Information Center hotline via WhatsApp at +62 811-3879-4555 or visiting the BPOLBF office at Jalan Soekarno-Hatta No. 88, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara.
(Raidi/Agung)
