Bishop Advocates for Sustainable Tourism Practices in Indonesia

The Roman Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Labuan Bajo in Indonesia is urging the government to prioritize the welfare of both the people and the environment when it comes to tourism in the region. Bishop Maksimus Regus emphasizes that tourism in Labuan Bajo can only succeed within a sustainable ecosystem.

In his Lenten pastoral letter published on April 7, Regus stated: “If development does not take ecological balance into account, the tourism sector will face serious threats. The orientation towards economic profit alone without strengthening the basis of ecological sustainability will only pose danger for future generations.”

He further explained that any tourism activity overlooking nature preservation and local community interests could lead to disasters, manifesting as environmental degradation, economic turmoil, and social strife.

Not Quite the New Bali

The former administration under Joko Widodo designated Labuan Bajo as a contender for development similar to that of Bali, Indonesia’s top tourist destination. In 2018, Widodo ordered the transfer of 400 hectares of forest land to the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority to enable hotel and resort construction, a move met with significant opposition from local residents.

This dissent persists in Labuan Bajo as locals and advocates reject a development strategy prioritizing economic gains over public and environmental health. Experts warn that such government-led expansions of tourism could marginalize local communities and severely damage the environment, leading to the destruction of forests and wetlands.

Notably, Labuan Bajo experienced unprecedented flooding for the first time in January of this year. Recently, local residents confronted security personnel at a beachfront hotel who blocked their access to the beach, which had always been publicly accessible.