LBFTA Commends the Progress of FDLP 2025 Runner-Up Project, Supporting the Transformation of Tanjung Bendera Savanna into a Community-Based Tourism Destination

Labuan Bajo, June 30, 2026 — Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (LBFTA) welcomed the Tourism and Creative Economy Office of East Manggarai Regency during a coordination meeting held at the LBFTA Office on Tuesday (June 30). In addition to discussing the activation of the Catholic Religious Tourism Travel Pattern in Flores, the meeting also reviewed the progress of the “Mausui Padang yang Bercerita” initiative—one of the best-performing projects from the Floratama (Plus) Destination Leadership Program (FDLP) 2025, organized by LBFTA.

The project, initiated by Yohanes Setiawan Da from the Tourism and Culture Office of East Manggarai Regency, earned Second Place in FDLP 2025 through its vision of transforming Padang Mausui into a reflective, educational, and sustainable tourism destination, while strengthening indigenous land rights and preserving the cultural identity of the Rongga community through a Community-Based Tourism (CBT) approach.

During the meeting, representatives from the East Manggarai Tourism and Creative Economy Office presented significant progress achieved throughout the project’s second year of implementation (2026). One of the major milestones was the customary handover of indigenous land by the elders of the Nggeli Clan, witnessed by the Motu, Sui, and Kewi Clans, to the East Manggarai Regency Government for the development of the tourism area.

The destination has also undergone an official rebranding from Padang Mausui to Padang Savanna Tanjung Bendera, reflecting a stronger destination identity while highlighting its spectacular coastal savanna landscape overlooking the Flores Sea.

Institutional strengthening has also progressed through the establishment of an officially recognized Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) responsible for the destination’s daily management. Capacity-building programs have been delivered to local community members through destination management training involving tourism academics and practitioners. Supporting tourism infrastructure has begun to be developed, and entrance fees have officially been introduced to support sustainable destination management.

The destination has also started testing tourism products in the field. One notable achievement is the successful introduction of paragliding activities at Tanjung Bendera, demonstrating the area’s strong potential as a special-interest tourism destination that aligns with its original vision of offering reflective, educational, and nature-based experiences.

Hieronimus E. Dona, Secretary of the Tourism and Creative Economy Office of East Manggarai Regency, expressed his appreciation to LBFTA for providing a leadership platform that has accelerated destination development beyond the competition itself.

“The Floratama Destination Leadership Program has become much more than a competition. It has inspired us to translate ideas into real action. Today, we are witnessing tangible progress—from customary land agreements and institutional strengthening to destination branding and tourism product development. We hope LBFTA will continue accompanying us as we transform Tanjung Bendera Savanna into one of Flores’ signature community-based tourism destinations.”

Acting President Director of LBFTA, Andhy MT Marpaung, welcomed the progress achieved by the East Manggarai team, emphasizing that FDLP was designed to create long-term destination transformation rather than simply produce winning proposals.

“The true success of the Floratama Destination Leadership Program is measured not by the awards presented on the final day, but by how the ideas evolve into real impacts for local communities. The development of Tanjung Bendera Savanna demonstrates that destination leadership, collaboration, and community participation can transform a vision into reality. LBFTA remains committed to supporting destinations across Floratama through sustainable tourism development and continuous collaboration.”

The discussion reaffirmed LBFTA’s commitment to ensuring that the Floratama (Plus) Destination Leadership Program (FDLP) serves as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development across the Floratama region. Through continuous mentoring, cross-sector collaboration, and community empowerment, LBFTA aims to nurture innovative destination concepts that strengthen local identity while generating long-term economic benefits for communities throughout Flores and the surrounding regions.

— Engel Vione
IT Support Specialist & Public Communication Officer
Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (LBFTA)