Tourism Sector Awaits Reopening of Taman Nasional Kutai

The closure of Taman Nasional Kutai since 15 February 2026 under the reason of “recovery” has raised serious concern among tourism stakeholders. The decision was considered sudden, and until now there has been no detailed public explanation regarding the background, duration, or specific stages of the recovery process. This lack of clarity has created uncertainty for businesses that rely heavily on tourism activities in the area.

The impact of the closure has been directly felt by travel agencies, tour guides, local hotels, homestay owners, transportation providers, and small local businesses operating around the park. Many of them had already received bookings from domestic and international visitors long before the closure was announced. The cancellations have not only caused financial losses but also risk damaging visitor confidence in the destination.

In response to this situation, on 23 February 2026 representatives of Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia together with the Tourism Office held an audience meeting with the management of Taman Nasional Kutai. During the meeting, stakeholders requested clear information and a definite timeline regarding the closure. They also emphasized the importance of transparent communication and better coordination between park management and tourism partners.

The Tourism Office expressed its hope that the park could be reopened as soon as possible, considering that Taman Nasional Kutai plays a strategic role in supporting tourism in Kutai Timur. Tourism activities in the area contribute significantly to the local economy, job creation, and the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises.

While acknowledging the importance of environmental recovery and conservation efforts, stakeholders stressed that such measures should be accompanied by clear planning and communication to minimize broader socio-economic impacts. All parties expressed strong hope that a balanced solution can soon be reached one that safeguards conservation objectives while ensuring the sustainability of local tourism and community livelihoods.