Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Ministry of Forestry is promoting the development of Golo Mori as an exclusive, nature-based tourism destination, as part of a broader shift from mass tourism to sustainable ecotourism.
During a site visit to Golo Mori, Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki emphasized the importance of aligning tourism development with conservation efforts surrounding Taman Nasional Komodo.
The initiative comes amid a sharp increase in visitor numbers to the park, which rose from 66,000 in 2021 to 429,000 in 2025. However, tourist activity remains heavily concentrated in popular spots such as Padar Island, raising concerns over overcrowding and environmental pressure.
Rohmat stated that quota limitations and route management are essential to distribute visitors more evenly across destinations and preserve ecosystem sustainability.
The government welcomed plans by Injourney Tourism Development Corporation to develop Golo Mori as a sustainable marine-based and ecotourism destination, offering an alternative to reduce visitor pressure within Komodo National Park.
He also highlighted the area’s potential for birdwatching tourism, noting the presence of species such as the yellow-crested cockatoo and maleo bird. Efforts will be made to enrich bird habitats through collaboration with ecosystem restoration agencies.
Community involvement was identified as a key pillar of the development strategy. The government aims to ensure that local communities, including those in Golo Mori Village, actively participate in tourism activities and benefit economically while contributing to conservation efforts.
General Manager of ITDC Golo Mori, Wahyuaji Munarwiyanto, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable development, stating that infrastructure expansion will prioritize environmental preservation.
He added that Golo Mori is designed not only as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) hub, but also as a destination that integrates tourism with nature conservation.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Forestry and ITDC is expected to position Golo Mori as a leading sustainable tourism destination in Manggarai Barat, balancing economic growth with environmental protection. (*)
