Labuan Bajo reported six suspected tourist-fraud cases in 2026

Labuan Bajo — Floresa reported on 31 October 2026 that six suspected tourist-package fraud cases had been recorded in Labuan Bajo during 2026, up from two cases in 2025.

Why it matters: Tourists and travel providers in Labuan Bajo face heightened scrutiny after six alleged fraud cases were reported in 2026 and authorities planned a list of licensed operators.

The report said six tourists reported combined losses of more than Rp100 million. None of the six cases had resulted in a court judgment, according to Floresa.

The report followed the arrest on 19 October of travel operator Kristoforus Aman, also known as Itok Aman, in East Manggarai. Police arrested him after Italian tourists reported an alleged fraud involving a Komodo National Park boat package.

Detik Bali reported that six Italian tourists went to West Manggarai Police on 12 August after the operator failed to provide the promised liveaboard trip. Police records identified three complainants and put the reported loss at Rp79.8 million, while the group said it had paid about Rp125 million for the package.

Media Indonesia also reported the Italian tourists’ complaint and said they had hired another boat to continue their trip after the original arrangement failed.

Floresa reported that Aman had separately faced a complaint from Malaysian tourists in May 2026. That case was resolved through restorative justice after the reported loss was returned, according to the report.

The cases have prompted concern about the oversight of travel providers in Labuan Bajo. A separate Komodo Times report said authorities planned to prepare a list of licensed local tour operators after Aman’s arrest.

Sources

• Floresa
• Detik Bali
• Media Indonesia