“Earlier in March, we had already issued a circular for same (temporary closure of Komodo National Park) that is valid until this day. However, this time, we extend it further,” park’s director, Lukita Awang Nistyantara, stated here on Friday.

The extension of closing period for Komodo National Park was outlined in a letter issued on Thursday (May 28), with number: PG.466 / T.17 / TU / REN / 05/2020.

Nistyantara was uncertain of extent of time that popular tourist area will remain closed since COVID-19 outbreak had shown no signs of abating.

“The Komodo National Park is still temporarily closed until further notice,” he remarked.

However, closure and opening of Komodo National Park area will be based on results of evaluation by relevant ministries and local government.

“We do not know how long this will be closed since until now, an official policy had yet to be issued by relevant authorities over reopening of region,” he explained.

Extending closure period of tourist area was aimed at protecting health of officers and community in area.

Nistyantara pointed out that temporary closure of area’s tourist areas was also in accordance with directives of regional authorities and head of Task Force on COVID-19 Response in NTT Province.

An indefinite ban was also in place for entry of cruise ships, including those with a capacity to carry several passengers, into Komodo National Park area.