INDONESIA PROVIDES VITAL SUPPORT TO TOURISTS FOLLOWING MOUNT LEWOTOBI ERUPTION

JAKARTA, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has swiftly activated a Tourism Information Centre (TIC) through the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Agency (BPOLBF) to assist tourists affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, 540 kilometres from Labuan Bajo, a popular tourist destination.

The TIC is providing up-to-date information on transportation options, including air and sea routes, as well as updates on local activities and tourist destinations, said the ministry’s deputy for destination and infrastructure development, Hariyanto, in a statement on Tuesday.

“We are working closely with local governments, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and the tourism industry to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and the surrounding communities near the mountain,” he said.

For tourists seeking further information or assistance with evacuation procedures, the TIC can be reached via WhatsApp at +62 811-3879-4555, or visit the BPOLBF office in Labuan Bajo.

As part of the response, the ministry is coordinating with the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) to offer discounted accommodation for tourists affected by the disruption.

Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo, which had been temporarily closed, reopened on Tuesday, according to the ministry.

However, four other airports in the province, H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende, Gewayantana Airport in Larantuka, Frans Seda Maumere Airport in Sikka, and Soa Airport in Bajawa remain closed.

As an alternative, 15 speedboats and passenger ships with capacities ranging from 225 to 5,182 people, are available to assist in evacuating tourists and local residents to Sape Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara.

In light of the ongoing crisis, several key events, including the International Golomori Jazz Festival, have been postponed until early 2025, as the ministry continues to prioritise safety and implement effective mitigation measures.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi, which has already claimed at least 10 lives as of Nov 4, has prompted authorities to raise the volcanic activity alert to the highest level, Level IV.

The 1,584-metre volcano is still erupting, and the safety zone has been expanded to a nine-kilometre radius from the summit’s crater last Friday.

As a result, 11,445 residents have been evacuated from the affected areas.

-- BERNAMA