Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Forestry stated that the tourism quota at Komodo National Park will be continuously monitored and periodically evaluated to maintain an ecological balance.This approach ensures that the park remains a protected national asset while still supporting local economic interests through sustainable tourism.Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki said on Saturday that while limits are necessary for the environment, the policy is subject to ongoing review.“We agree that in principle there must be limits to maintain ecological balance. However, we will continue conducting ongoing studies and periodic evaluations,” he stated.He noted that the evaluation will coincide with infrastructure improvements on Padar Island such as new trekking routes and in-out docks.Although the current quota is set at 365 thousand visitors per year, Marzuki emphasized that this figure is dynamic rather than static.The specific number of allowed visitors will fluctuate based on updated studies regarding the environmental carrying capacity of the park.Speaking during a working visit in with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IV members in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Friday, he said the ministry is also preparing strategies to distribute visits to prevent overcrowding.The Komodo National Park Authority will collaborate with tourism associations to conduct joint studies to determine appropriate visitor levels.“We are also encouraging ex-situ Komodo conservation outside the national park, such as in Flores, Longos Island, and Golomori, as alternative destinations,” he added.Commission IV Chair Siti Hediati Hariyadi welcomed the focus on long term sustainability while urging a gradual transition for the local community.“The policy spirit is correct to protect the ecosystem. However, the transition must be gradual and involve local communities,” she said.Hariyadi also cautioned the ministry to manage expectations so that visitors who have traveled from afar do not face sudden disappointment.The periodic evaluation process will allow the government to adjust regulations in response to real time ecological data and tourism trends.