Diskoria LBFTA When Media, Tourism, and Ideas Meet

On March 6, 2026, I had the opportunity to attend one of the most interesting internal agendas at the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (LBFTA)—the Media Collaboration Discussion Forum, or what we commonly call Diskoria.

The March 2026 edition was held at the Floratama Meeting Room, LBFTA Office, and marked the first Diskoria session of the year. The forum brought together several journalists from local media as well as contributors from national media outlets who actively report on developments in Labuan Bajo.

As the IT Support and Public Communication Staff, I see Diskoria not merely as a routine meeting. It is an important space to ensure that information about the development of tourism in Labuan Bajo can be communicated openly, accurately, and collaboratively to the public.

Diskoria: A Dialogue Between LBFTA and the Media

For us at BPOLBF, Diskoria serves as a regular communication forum with the media. It is where we share updates, discuss upcoming programs, and provide insights into the latest developments in tourism management in Labuan Bajo Flores.

More importantly, this forum also gives us the opportunity to listen to perspectives and feedback from journalists. The media are not just information channels; they are also strategic partners in shaping the narrative of Labuan Bajo tourism.

The discussion that day flowed in a relaxed but productive atmosphere.

Promoting Labuan Bajo to the Malaysian Market

One of the key topics discussed during the session was the upcoming Malaysia Influencer Famtrip, a collaborative initiative between BPOLBF and AirAsia.

The program is scheduled to take place from March 7–10, 2026, bringing several Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) from Malaysia to experience tourism activities in Labuan Bajo and nearby destinations firsthand.

The objective is clear:
to strengthen the promotion of Labuan Bajo Flores in the Malaysian market and encourage more travelers from Malaysia to visit the destination.

In today’s digital landscape, experiences shared by influencers can become powerful storytelling tools that help introduce destinations to a wider audience.

Weekend at Parapuar: A Cultural Experience

Another highlight discussed during Diskoria was the continuation of Weekend at Parapuar (WAP).

This program aims to create a space for local art and cultural appreciation in the Parapuar area. Visitors can enjoy various performances featuring traditional music and dance in a relaxed and open setting.

The ticket prices are intentionally affordable:

• IDR 5,000 for domestic visitors

• IDR 10,000 for international tourists

From my perspective, WAP is not just an entertainment event. It also serves as an initiative to introduce Parapuar as an emerging land-based tourism destination in Labuan Bajo.

Preparing for the Eid Holiday Season and Reactivating the TIC

Another important topic discussed during the forum was the preparation for the Eid holiday season, including the activation of a special task force (Satuan Tugas) for the holiday period.

In addition, LBFTA plans to reactivate the Tourism Information Center (TIC) to improve the quality of information services for visitors.

The TIC will provide essential information for tourists, including destination insights, travel guidance, and tourism services available in Labuan Bajo and the wider Flores region.

As someone working closely with information systems and public communication, I believe the TIC plays a crucial role as an official information hub for travelers.

The Media’s Role in Tourism Development

During the session, Andhy MT Marpaung, Acting President Director of LBFTA, also expressed appreciation to journalists who have continuously supported the dissemination of tourism developments in Labuan Bajo Flores.

He emphasized that tourism development cannot be achieved by a single institution alone.

“We realize that tourism development cannot be done alone. Support and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the media, are essential in building positive narratives and spreading information about the tourism potential and programs in Labuan Bajo Flores.”

He also highlighted that future tourism development will not only focus on Komodo National Park and marine tourism, but will also encourage the growth of land-based destinations across Flores.

This approach aims to provide visitors with more diverse travel experiences, while also increasing the average length of stay and ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed more widely to local communities.

When Ideas Meet at One Table

The discussion that day was lively and interactive. Various strategic topics were explored, ranging from investment developments in the Parapuar area, the readiness of land-based tourism infrastructure, to opportunities for developing events and travel patterns across Flores.

For someone like me who often works behind the scenes—supporting technology systems and public communication—forums like Diskoria are incredibly valuable.

It is in conversations like these that ideas, critiques, and aspirations for the future of Labuan Bajo tourism come together at one table.

And from discussions like this, I believe that step by step, we continue building a more sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality tourism future for Labuan Bajo and Flores.

—

Engel Vione
IT Support Specialist & Public Communication Officer
Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority
Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia