LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia – Authorities in Indonesia’s famous Komodo gateway are tightening oversight of tourist boats, with vessels that fail to pay local taxes now facing the possibility of being barred from sailing. The move is designed to improve tax compliance as Labuan Bajo continues its rapid tourism growth.
Under the new policy, tourist boats operating in Labuan Bajo, the main departure point for cruises to Komodo National Park, may no longer receive a Sailing Approval Letter (SPB) unless they have fulfilled their local tax and levy obligations.
The measure follows a formal request from West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi to the Labuan Bajo Class III Harbourmaster and Port Authority (KSOP), urging officials to ensure only tax-compliant vessels are permitted to leave port.
“We officially received the letter yesterday,” said Stephanus Risdiyanto, head of the Labuan Bajo Harbourmaster’s Office.
He confirmed that the port authority would support the local government’s initiative.
“If operators have outstanding obligations under existing regulations, those must be resolved first,” Stephanus said.
Focus on Operators, Not Tourists
For travelers planning liveaboard cruises through Komodo National Park, officials stressed that the policy is aimed at improving compliance among tourism businesses rather than creating additional requirements for visitors.
The regulation targets boat operators that have failed to pay regional taxes, particularly taxes collected from onboard accommodation and food services.
Since 2024, West Manggarai Regency has imposed a 10 percent local tax on accommodation and dining services provided aboard tourist vessels, similar to the tax applied to hotels and restaurants on land.
Local officials say a number of operators have yet to meet those obligations.
To enforce the policy, the regional government will provide the harbourmaster with documentation identifying vessels that remain delinquent, including records of previous notices and collection efforts.
“If violations are properly documented, we will support the enforcement of the applicable regulations,” Stephanus said.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism Growth
The policy comes as Labuan Bajo experiences continued expansion as one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing premium tourism destinations.
Known internationally as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park, the town has seen rapid growth in luxury liveaboard cruises, diving expeditions, and high-end marine tourism over the past several years.
Regional authorities say improving tax collection is intended to ensure that the benefits of tourism contribute to local infrastructure, public services, and destination management as visitor numbers continue to rise.
According to Maria Yuliana Rotok, head of the West Manggarai Regional Revenue Agency, the new enforcement effort is part of a broader strategy to optimize regional tax collection.
What Visitors Should Know
For most international travelers, the new measure is unlikely to affect planned trips, provided they book with licensed and compliant operators.
However, the policy serves as a reminder to choose reputable tour companies that operate within Indonesia’s regulatory framework.
As Labuan Bajo continues its transformation into one of Southeast Asia’s premier marine tourism hubs, local authorities say stronger oversight is essential to maintaining a sustainable an
