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 sea and air transportation. The Ministry of Tourism continues to coordinate with various parties to ensure that affected tourists can return to their regions or home countries with the best services.
Here is the latest update on the evacuation process that has been carried out:
- Evacuation via Sea and Air Routes A special team has been deployed to provide information, services, and ensure transportation schedules at five main points: Labuan Bajo, Bima, Surabaya, Bali, and Jakarta.
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the ship Dharma Rucitra VIII (Ende–Surabaya–Labuan Bajo) arrived at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya at 3:30 PM WIB. The ship carried 406 passengers, consisting of 365 local tourists and 41 foreign tourists.
As part of the continued evacuation, on Friday, November 15, 2024, the ship Niki Mila Utama arrived at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya at 5:00 PM WIB, carrying an additional 81 tourists from Labuan Bajo.
Meanwhile, on Friday, November 15, 2024, in Bali, the ship KM Binaiya (Labuan Bajo–Bima–Benoa) arrived at Benoa Port in Bali at 4:20 AM WITA. This ship carried 1,012 passengers, consisting of 602 local tourists and 410 foreign tourists. The tourism helpdesk team in Bali was actively assisting tourists by providing transportation, food, and travel information.
Similarly, in Bima, two ferry ships, KM Cucut and Walet 01, have carried 203 passengers to Sape, Bima Regency.
- Current Flight Activity Data from the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) indicates that several airports remain non-operational, including Frans Sales Lega Ruteng Airport, H. Hasan Aroeboesman Ende Airport, and Frans Seda Maumere Airport.
Meanwhile, airports that are operational include 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.
At the same time, flight services at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and Lombok Airport have resumed normal operations after several flight services from various airlines had previously experienced delays and cancellations due to the volcanic ash eruption from Mount Lewotobi affecting airspace.
However, for the flight status of each airline to or from Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo, make sure to always check the latest status through the respective airline's information center.
- Latest Sea Route Schedules
For the sea routes, here is the schedule for some ships traveling from Labuan Bajo Port:
- Sabuk Nusantara 74 (LBJ–BIMA), at 11:00 PM WITA, capacity 508 passengers.
- Leuser (LBJ–BIMA–BENOA–SUB), at 2:00 PM WITA, capacity 970 passengers.
- Tilong Kabila (LBJ–MAKASSAR), at 11:59 PM WITA, capacity 970 passengers.
Tourist Services The Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) has served a total of 83 tourists to date, consisting of 49 foreign tourists and 34 local tourists. The requested information includes flight schedule updates and requests for assistance in mediation related to travel refund claims.
As of Friday, November 15, 2024, there were no more tourists visiting the Integrated Post. The situation at the Integrated Post has also seen no more emergency activity.
Keep up with the latest information regarding the eruption of Mount Lewotobi by following or tagging Instagram @pesona.indonesia if you have any new updates. Our best wishes to all those affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi.
