The Latest Status of the Evacuation Process for Tourists Following the Eruption of Mount Lewotobi
Sat, 16 Nov 2024
According to the latest information from the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar), all tourists affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have been successfully evacuated via both sea and air transport. The Ministry continues to coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure that impacted tourists are safely returned to their respective regions or countries with the best possible service.
Here’s an update on the current evacuation process:
1. Evacuation via Sea and Air Routes
Special teams have been deployed to provide information, services, and ensure the smooth operation of transportation schedules at five key points: Labuan Bajo, Bima, Surabaya, Bali, and Jakarta.
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Dharma Rucitra VIII ship (Ende-Surabaya-Labuan Bajo) arrived at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya at 3:30 PM WIB, carrying 406 passengers—365 local tourists and 41 foreign tourists.
As part of the ongoing evacuation efforts, on Friday, November 15, 2024, the Niki Mila Utama vessel arrived at Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya, at 5:00 PM WIB, bringing an additional 81 tourists from Labuan Bajo.
Meanwhile, on Friday, November 15, 2024, in Bali, the KM Binaiya ship (Labuan Bajo-Bima-Benoa) docked at Benoa Port at 4:20 AM WITA, carrying 1,012 passengers, including 602 local tourists and 410 international visitors. The tourism helpdesk in Bali has been actively assisting tourists by providing transport, food, and up-to-date travel information.
In Bima, two ferries, KM Cucut and Walet 01, have transported 203 passengers to Sape, Bima Regency.
2. Current Flight Operations
According to the Ministry of Transportation, some airports remain closed, including Frans Sales Lega Airport in Ruteng, H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende, and Frans Seda Maumere Airport. However, the following airports are operational: Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin Airport in Sumbawa, Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport in Bima, Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, Soa Airport in Bajawa, Gewayantana Larantuka Airport in Wunopito, Lembata, Lede Kalumbang Airport in Tambolaka, Waingapu Airport, and Tardamu Airport in Sabu.
Air services at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali and Lombok Airport have resumed normal operations after some delays and cancellations caused by volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi affecting airspace.
To ensure up-to-date flight information, travelers are advised to check with individual airlines regarding flight status to and from Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo.
3. Current Sea Travel Schedules
For travelers departing from Labuan Bajo, the following ships are operating:
Sabuk Nusantara 74 (Labuan Bajo-Bima), 11:00 PM WITA, capacity of 508 passengers
Leuser (Labuan Bajo-Bima-Benoa-Surabaya), 2:00 PM WITA, capacity of 970 passengers
Tilong Kabila (Labuan Bajo-Makassar), 11:59 PM WITA, capacity of 970 passengers
4. Tourist Services
As of today, the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) has assisted a total of 83 tourists, comprising 49 foreign visitors and 34 local tourists. The services requested included flight schedule updates and mediation for travel refund requests.
As of Friday, November 15, 2024, no further tourists have visited the Integrated Post. The situation at the Post has stabilized, with no further emergency activities.
Stay Informed and Updated
For the latest updates on the Mount Lewotobi eruption, follow or tag @wonderfulindonesia on Instagram for real-time information. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all those affected by the eruption.
