Govt denies ‘Jurassic Park’ claims amid controversy surrounding Indonesia's Rinca Island project

A 3D illustration of one section of the ecotourism project on Rinca Island, East Nusa Tenggara. (Courtesy of pu.go.id/-)

JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post/ANN): The Environment and Forestry Ministry has denied rumours that the government is developing a “Jurassic Park”-style tourist destination on Rinca Island in Labuan Bajo regency, East Nusa Tenggara, claiming that the ongoing construction of new facilities is a public undertaking aimed at bolstering the local economy, as well as preserving the local Komodo dragon population.

Wiratno, the ministry’s director general for natural resources and ecosystems, said the project was a public effort to integrate the various tourist attractions in the region.