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Labuan Bajo enters new phase in development project
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he Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Body (BPOLBF) is developing the Parapuar region as an integrated tourism area in Labuan Bajo. Parapuar lies between Golo Bilas village and Gorontalo village, within one subdistrict, namely Wae Kelambu village, Komodo district, West Manggarai regency.
The name Parapuar is derived from the local Manggarai language; para means door or gate, while puar means forest. Therefore, living up to its name, the area is being developed on the principle of prioritizing environmental sustainability values and will maintain the authenticity of the area, which is a production forest, the Nggorang Bowosie forest.
Plans have been drawn up to catalog the 400-hectare site into four zones. One of these is the Cultural Zone, which is planned to be built in an area of 21.69 ha out of a total area of 114.73 ha. The development of this zone consists of cultural centers such as Hikayat Komodo, the Cultural Performance Park, a museum, agricultural tourism area, culture gallery, Ring of Fire Flores View and Pray Hill, as well as other attractions that will support tourism and highlight the culture of East Nusa Tenggara.
It is hoped that the development of the zone will entice visitors to learn about and enjoy the culture and natural life of the island, in addition to enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of Labuan Bajo, which is contoured by forests and hills. The zone will also be treated as a cultural showcase for Flores, Lembata, Alor and Bima (Floratama).
The project is evidence of the Indonesian government’s vision to increase the number of new tourist destinations and attractions in Labuan Bajo, which is designed to increase the length of stay and frequency of tourist visits in the long run.
"The number of new tourist destinations continues to increase in Labuan Bajo. Parapuar will add to this list. Not only is it a destination, but it is also equipped with attractions that can add to land tourism alternatives. Parapuar's very strategic location in the center of Labuan Bajo city will certainly open up wider job opportunities and open up new markets for local Floratama products," said Shana Fatina, director of the BPOLBF.
As the government steps up its efforts to increase tourism, bringing visitors to spend time in the city of Labuan Bajo and shop for local souvenirs, it is important to note that Labuan Bajo has been made a popular destination because of the location of the Komodo National Park.
It is hoped that the new development will not distract from Komodo National Park, home to the endemic Komodo dragon, which is the main attraction. However, the highlight of the cultural zone itself will complement the reptile and will be used as a tool to tell various cultural narratives related to the history of Floratama and the history of Komodo, which has developed into folklore.
Apart from that, the development of the area, which is aimed at becoming a Floratama cultural showcase will feature many cultural performances in terms of dance, music, singing, buildings, culinary delights and traditional games.
With all these facilities and attractions, the Parapuar Cultural Zone will be offered in various tour packages so that visitors can experience Floratama culture.
"In Parapuar, we will integrate tourist trips for visitors, by developing tour packages to tourist villages in the Parapuar buffer area. We are preparing the community in the Parapuar buffer villages to be involved in developing tourist areas around Parapuar through various training programs to improve the tourism and creative skills of the local community," explained Shana.
The next phase of the project is for the BPOLBF to introduce the Parapuar area to the public by carrying out a soft launch in the form of a Picnic Over the Hill (POTH) mini event in Zone 1 Parapuar. The two-day celebration is expected to take place on Nov. 11 and 12 by utilizing an area that has already been constructed and is suitable for use in the zone and which also offers a view of Parapuar. The event is expected to attract 1,000 visitors and will offer the enjoyment of views of Labuan Bajo city from afternoon to night, showcasing its stunning sunset, and end with gazing into its shining stars as the day draws to a close.
The development of the region has so far seen the building of basic infrastructure, namely a 1.5 kilometer asphalt road. Regional development in each zone is planned to begin in 2024 starting from the construction of basic infrastructure such as water, electricity and communications networks.
