Labuan Bajo businesses use events to recover orders after Flores earthquake

Labuan Bajo — Micro, small and medium-sized businesses in Labuan Bajo are using local events to rebuild customer networks and recover orders lost after the 15 August 2026 Flores earthquake, according to a report published on 26 September.

Why it matters: Businesses are using events to restore customer networks and orders, while tourism activity in Labuan Bajo has resumed after the earthquake.

The magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck northern Flores at 4:58 a.m. local time and triggered a tsunami, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). BMKG said the disaster affected several parts of East Nusa Tenggara, including West Manggarai.

The businesses’ recovery efforts include taking part in events held in Labuan Bajo after the emergency-response period ended. Khairun Nisa, an entrepreneur participating in an event at Parapuar, said events offered opportunities to reintroduce products, meet potential customers and rebuild networks disrupted by the earthquake, according to the report.

Tourism activity resumes

The Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority said on 17 August that tourism activity in Labuan Bajo had returned to normal, including operations at the Marina Labuan Bajo port. The authority also reported varying damage at some accommodations and said properties with structural damage were temporarily closed while guests were moved elsewhere.

BMKG later reported that the earthquake had caused 53 deaths and 137 injuries in an initial assessment published on 18 August. Its later updates recorded additional aftershocks and continued technical surveys in affected areas.

The business-recovery report does not announce a new park rule, closure or travel restriction. It describes how local sellers are using events to reconnect with customers after the disaster and restore orders.

Sources

• Tribun Flores
• BMKG
• Badan Pelaksana Otorita Labuan Bajo Flores