The waterfall is closed. The bridge is being investigated. And two Austrian tourists are dead.
Cunca Wulang, a popular inland waterfall destination in Labuan Bajo, has been temporarily shut down following the deaths of Jurgen Perjul (55) and Astrid Perjul (57), who fell approximately 20 meters when a wooden suspension bridge collapsed beneath them on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
“The deputy regent and the regional secretary have ordered the closure and an immediate evaluation of all aspects, especially safety,” said Peter A. Rasyid, head of the West Manggarai Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Agency, on Monday, May 25, 2026.
He said his office has coordinated with the West Manggarai Police to prepare an official closure letter.
Why the Bridge Failed
Police have already revealed the extent of the bridge’s deterioration.
The wooden support beams were rotten. The safety nets on both sides were nearly 90 percent missing. There was no written inspection schedule. No warning signs. No accident insurance for visitors.
The bridge was the main access route to the waterfall, a destination promoted as part of Labuan Bajo’s inland eco-tourism attractions. It is managed by the local tourism agency and a community-based tourism group.
The couple had walked only about 10 meters onto the bridge when the planks beneath their feet gave way. Their tour guide watched them fall onto large rocks below.
Both died at the scene.
The Investigation
West Manggarai Police Chief AKBP Christian Kadang said the closure is necessary for two reasons: to prevent another accident and to allow investigators unrestricted access to the site.
“To prevent similar accidents and to provide free movement for the investigation team to conduct a comprehensive investigation, the police have coordinated with the regional government, especially the tourism agency,” Christian said on Sunday evening.
“Based on a written recommendation from the police, the Cunca Wulang waterfall tourism area is officially declared completely closed for all general visitation activities starting today.”
The closure is indefinite. Police have not said when the site might reopen.
What Comes Next
Peter said his agency will use the closure period to evaluate safety standards — not only at Cunca Wulang but potentially at other tourist sites in the region.
The timing of the evaluation is unclear. What is clear is that the evaluation should have happened before the bridge killed two people.
For now, the waterfall is empty. The bridge is cordoned off. And two Austrian families are waiting for answers that should have been provided years ago — before the wood rotted, before the safety nets disappeared, and before a couple asked their guide to film them crossing a bridge that was already dead.
