A large-scale tourism development project is being planned for Padar Island, part of Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara, according to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document submitted by PT Komodo Wildlife Ecotourism (KWE). The document, titled Development of Nature-Based Tourism Facilities by PT KWE on Padar Island, was presented during a public consultation forum held at GMCC Golo Mori on July 23, 2025.
The plan outlines the construction of 619 tourism-related structures and facilities, including villas, restaurants, gyms, spas, a wedding chapel, and centers for water sports and research. Villas make up the largest share of the project, with 448 units planned out of the total 619 facilities.
Komodo National Park Authority Confirms Amdal Presentation
Head of Komodo National Park Authority (BTNK), Hendrikus Rani Siga, confirmed that PT KWE had presented the EIA document. The facilities are expected to be built across a 274.13-hectare area on Padar Island, with approximately 15.75 hectares of land designated for development across seven construction zones.
“(That’s the document) of the presentation of the Expert Team from IPB related to the EIA of PT. KWE,” said Hengki, Hendrikus’ nickname, when confirmed, Saturday (2/8/2025).
Forestry Ministry Clarifies Land Use and Project Status
In response to viral reports about the proposed development, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Kemenhut) issued an official statement clarifying that the project cannot yet proceed. A spokesperson for the ministry, Krisdianto, explained that the proposed construction area covers only around 15.375 hectares, which accounts for 5.64 percent of KWE’s total licensed area on the island.
“Regarding the plan (construction of villas to spas), it is currently still in the public consultation stage on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document according to the standards of the World Heritage Centre (WHC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),” explained Krisdianto in an official statement, Tuesday (5/8).
The ministry also denied reports suggesting that PT KWE had been granted 426 hectares for development. According to Kemenhut, the official business license for the project remains at 274.13 hectares as documented.
Scientific Studies and Public Consultation Conducted
The Ministry of Forestry also stated that it has conducted environmental impact studies using scientific and participatory methods. A public consultation forum was held in Labuan Bajo on July 23, 2025, to support the ongoing evaluation process further.
“The EIA document was prepared by a cross-disciplinary team of experts and has been openly consulted with stakeholders, including local governments, community leaders, NGOs, business actors, and academics,” claimed the Ministry of Finance.
“The government will ensure that every development will not have a negative impact on the preservation of Komodo dragons and their habitats. Evaluation of OUV, both from ecological, landscape, and socio-cultural aspects is the main basis in the entire assessment process,” he said.
Project Execution Still Pending Final Review
As of now, the proposed development by PT Komodo Wildlife Ecotourism on Padar Island has not received final approval. The Ministry of Forestry reiterated that the project remains under environmental and regulatory review at both the national and international levels.
