Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has assured the public that the development of tourism facilities on Padar Island, part of Komodo National Park, will not harm the environment or the habitat of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis)."I will ensure that even if a private entity proceeds with development, ecology remains the top priority. It must not damage the environment or the Komodo dragon's habitat," Antoni said on Thursday
He emphasized that any tourism development on Padar Island must undergo rigorous assessment, including a review by UNESCO.
Antoni noted that ecotourism, or nature-based tourism, is allowed only within designated zones of the national park.
PT Komodo Wildlife Ecotourism has held a permit for tourism development on Padar Island since 2014, although no construction has taken place so far.
Any development, Antoni explained, must go through a lengthy process, including an environmental impact assessment (EIA), which will involve UNESCO. The organization designated Komodo National Park as a World Heritage Site in 1991.
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He also said the ministry would review reports regarding the construction of hundreds of villas on Padar Island.
"Regarding the recent issue, it seems the data still needs to be thoroughly verified," he said.
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Antoni added that if development is approved, it must not involve permanent structures but instead use temporary or movable ones to minimize environmental disruption.
He also welcomed public concern over the issue, saying the primary goal of a national park is conservation, and any use of the area must be carefully reviewed to ensure minimal environmental impact.
