Publications
Mapping Mangrove Above-Ground Carbon Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data and Machine Learning Approach in Loh Buaya, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
A novel hybrid model combining Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) has demonstrated high accuracy in estimating mangrove above-ground carbon (AGC) in Loh Buaya, Komodo National Park, Indonesia. The model achieved an R² of 0.857 during training and 0.758 during testing, significantly outperforming other machine learning techniques like Random Forest and Support Vector Machine. Using multisource remote sensing data—including optical imagery from Sentinel-2B, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and a national Digital Elevation Model (DEM)—the study estimated AGC ranging from 2.52 to 123.89 Mg C ha⁻¹, with an average of 57.16 Mg C ha⁻¹. This approach offers a fast, reliable, and scalable method for quantifying mangrove carbon stocks using open-source data, with potential global applications in tropical ecosystems.
Residency, movement patterns, behavior and demographics of reef manta rays in Komodo National Park
Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) in Komodo National Park exhibit distinct site affinities, with higher residency probabilities at remote southern sites like Manta Alley. Despite proximity, manta rays show strong preference for specific areas such as Karang Makassar and Mawan, which are only 5 km apart. Seasonal movements between Manta Alley and central sites (~35.5 km) were observed, with more rays traveling south to north. Female manta rays demonstrated greater mobility than males. The study, utilizing a decade-long photo-identification dataset (2013–2018), identified 1,085 individuals and noted that tourism growth correlated with increased dive boat activity at popular sites. Injuries from fishing gear and predation were documented in 8% of the population. This research provides foundational data for manta ray conservation, highlighting critical habitats and the need to mitigate tourism impacts.
Tourism accessibility in protected islands: the case of the Komodo National Park, Indonesia
A novel framework for tourism accessibility in protected islands has been established, identifying three key dimensions—destination accessibility, individual accessibility, and protected island accessibility—that significantly influence tourists' decisions to visit. The study, conducted through surveys of 487 respondents using factor analysis and structural equation modeling, reveals that while convenience (e.g., safety, hygiene, environmental ethics) enhances visitation, protected island accessibility can act as a restrictive factor, potentially limiting tourism to preserve fragile ecosystems. This balance between convenience and constraint is critical for sustainable management, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Komodo National Park, where mass tourism risks ecosystem degradation. The findings underscore the need to design visitor programs that prioritize ecological preservation while ensuring accessibility remains inclusive yet controlled.
A community perspective on local ecotourism development: lessons from Komodo National Park
Ecotourism, often hailed as a sustainable development strategy, has fallen short of its promises for local communities and natural resource conservation in Komodo National Park (KNP), a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site. A critical analysis reveals that despite KNP's transition to an ecotourist-driven economy, it has failed to meet sustainable development goals effectively. The study highlights the complex, multi-layered nature of local communities and their integration into regional economies, advocating for broader tourism policies that engage multiple stakeholders beyond immediate protected areas. Using qualitative research methods, including participant observation, this paper challenges the narrative around ecotourism's benefits, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing debate on its effectiveness as a sustainable development tool.
Dragon Tourism in Komodo National Park, Indonesia: Its Contribution to Conservation & Local Development
Tourism to Komodo National Park (KNP) in Indonesia, often touted as ecotourism, fails to meet sustainability ideals despite minimal ecological disturbance. While financial contributions to conservation barely cover operational costs, potential revenue could be significantly increased by adjusting fees. Independent tourists contribute more to the local economy than package or cruise passengers, who provide negligible benefits due to the enclave nature of their operations. The study highlights that current tourism models in KNP reflect traditional patterns rather than sustainable ecotourism principles, emphasizing the need for ongoing evaluation and reorientation toward true sustainability. This research offers a cost-effective template for assessing nature-based tourism impacts, applicable globally.
Preliminary Study of the Effect of Tourism Activities on Litter Pollution: A Case Study on Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
A preliminary study on Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia, reveals that tourism activities significantly contribute to litter pollution, with plastic waste dominating the 146 items collected. Filter cigarette butts (33.56%), candy wrappers (12.33%), and wet tissues/wipes (11.64%) were the most prevalent types of litter, linked to smoking, food consumption, and hiking activities. The research highlights the urgent need for stronger awareness strategies and controls to mitigate environmental degradation caused by tourism in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Reviews: Komodo National Park as a conservation area for the komodo species (Varanus komodoensis) and sustainable tourism (ecotourism)
Komodo National Park (KNP) in Indonesia serves as a critical conservation area for the endangered Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) while also supporting sustainable ecotourism. The study highlights that KNP's vast land and marine habitats—covering 603 km² and 1,214 km² respectively—host rich biodiversity, including 277 terrestrial species, 253 coral species, over 1,000 fish species, and 25 whale/dolphin species. The research emphasizes that ecotourism in KNP can foster local economic growth and conservation awareness, but barriers such as limited budgets, low public engagement, and marketing challenges hinder community participation. By integrating conservation with tourism, KNP demonstrates a model for balancing ecological protection with sustainable development.
The Effect of E-WOM on Destination Image and Attitude Towards to the Visit Intention in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
A study reveals that electronic word of mouth (E-WOM) significantly influences destination image and tourist attitudes, which in turn affect visit intention to Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Using data from 388 TripAdvisor users, the research employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares analysis to assess relationships among these factors under a new government membership policy. Findings underscore the importance of E-WOM in shaping perceptions and behaviors, offering valuable insights for tourism marketing strategies in Indonesia. This work contributes to e-commerce marketing, destination branding, and e-tourism research.
Community Participation and Sustainable Tourism Development Model in Komodo National Park
A study on Komodo National Park (KNP) reveals that sustainable, community-based tourism development could improve by over 2% if stakeholders commit to enhancing rural tourism employment, local business activities, livelihood alternatives, and economic growth. Key factors include conservation awareness programs, community involvement in planning, training for tourism employees on cultural heritage, and adherence to social protocols. These efforts would boost attraction ratings, tourism facilities, protection of historical sites, and environmentally conscious tourism operators. The research used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyze local community perspectives on the As of tourism framework—Attraction, Access, and Amenities—highlighting pathways for long-term sustainable development in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Invasive toads are close to but absent from Komodo National Park
A survey conducted between February and April 2018 found no evidence of the invasive Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) within Komodo National Park, despite its abundance on nearby Sumbawa Island. The study used Visual Encounter Surveys across Rinca Island, Komodo Island (both part of the park), Flores Island (Labuan Bajo and Cumbi village), and Sape (Sumbawa Island). While two amphibian species were recorded in Komodo National Park and seven across all locations, the invasive toad was absent from Flores but thrived in Sape. This suggests that while the park remains free of this potential ecological threat, vigilance is needed due to its proximity on Sumbawa Island.
Role of culture in the emotional response towards komodo dragon in Komodo and Rinca Islands of Komodo National Park
A significant finding from this study is that cultural beliefs and values play a crucial role in shaping local communities' emotional responses towards Komodo dragons, thereby influencing conservation support. While 98.5% of respondents considered the dragons dangerous, 60.6% of Komodo villagers held positive perceptions, contrasting with 47.6% moderate perceptions among Rinca villagers. This difference is attributed to distinct cultural attachments; Komodo villagers perceive dragons as 'cousins' and thus avoid harming them, while Rinca villagers, being migrants, lack such connections. Consequently, Komodo villagers showed higher coexistence beliefs (83%) and conservation support (81.5%) compared to Rinca villagers (65.3%). The study highlights the importance of integrating local cultural values in wildlife conservation efforts.
Tourism Governance in Komodo National Park, Indonesia: Blessing or Curse?
Tourism governance in Komodo National Park (KNP), Indonesia, primarily benefits residents of Komodo Island while excluding those on Rinca Island from socio-economic prosperity. The study reveals that tourism management is largely controlled by KNP officials, with local people confined to roles as naturalist guides. This qualitative research, involving interviews with community leaders, guides, village heads, and tourism managers across two villages, highlights the uneven distribution of tourism's economic advantages within the park's vicinity.
The coral-killing sponge Chalinula nematifera as a common substrate generalist in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
A coral-killing sponge, Chalinula nematifera, has been identified as a common substrate generalist in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This sponge, originally from the Marshall Islands, is raising concerns due to its rapid range expansion and ability to overgrow various coral species. Observed at six out of ten sites in October 2016, it was found interacting with living corals belonging to 13 species, some of which are new host records. Additionally, it colonized dead coral colonies previously covered by algae or sediment, as well as encrusting coralline algae, showing no clear preference for specific hosts or depth ranges. The study highlights the sponge's adaptability and potential impact on coral ecosystems.
Temporal and spatial dynamics of insular Rusa deer and wild pig populations in Komodo National Park
A 12-year study on Komodo National Park revealed that the population dynamics of Rusa deer and wild pigs are strongly influenced by density-dependent factors, with island-specific patterns and spatial synchrony. While Rusa deer populations declined slightly on two larger islands (Nusa Kode and Rinca) but increased on Gili Motang, wild pig populations showed contrasting trends, declining on Komodo Island and increasing on Rinca. These findings highlight the critical role of density dependence in tropical large herbivore populations, which are vital prey for the endangered Komodo dragon. The study used dung counts along transects to estimate abundance, confirming the need for continued monitoring to ensure the conservation of both ungulate species and their apex predator.
Exit the Dragon? Collapse of Co-management at Komodo National Park, Indonesia
A collaborative management initiative at Komodo National Park, designed to balance tourism and biodiversity conservation, collapsed after just five years despite significant investment. The study identifies the failure as rooted in the narrow design of the initiative and the political ecology of Indonesia's civil service, characterized by persistent corruption and weak environmental awareness. This research highlights the challenges of managing complex social-ecological systems, particularly in World Heritage Sites with high tourist interest and diverse stakeholder involvement.
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