When planning a Komodo tour, most travelers imagine pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and breathtaking islands. But behind the scenes of this paradise, Labuan Bajo—the main gateway to Komodo National Park—is facing a growing environmental challenge: glass bottle waste. While plastic pollution remains an unresolved issue, millions of discarded glass bottles are now piling up annually, threatening the beauty and sustainability of this popular destination.
A Hidden Crisis in Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo, located in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, has become a significant tourism hotspot thanks to the surge in Komodo tour activities. Tourists worldwide come to see the famous Komodo dragons, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and explore the islands by boat.
But tourism has a downside. The dramatic increase in visitors—now surpassing the local population—has resulted in a significant spike in waste production. While local authorities have encouraged businesses to move away from plastic bottles in favor of glass, this well-intentioned switch has triggered a new problem: glass bottle waste.
Meet Marta Muslin: Turning Trash into Opportunity
Environmental activist Marta Muslin has spent the last two decades working in waste management in Labuan Bajo. Faced with the growing glass waste crisis, she's taken matters into her own hands.
"Glass bottles can't be reused because there are no refill stations here. Sending them to Java is too expensive and increases carbon emissions," Marta told BBC News Indonesia.
In 2024 alone, Labuan Bajo generated approximately 2,065 tons of glass waste, equivalent to millions of individual bottles.
Marta and her team at the Indonesia Waste Platform began upcycling the bottles to address the issue. They turn thousands of discarded glass bottles into reusable drinking glasses and building materials. During the high season, when Komodo tours are in full swing, their collection can reach tens of thousands of bottles per month.
Supporting Island Communities Through Waste Management
Since 2020, Marta and her team have been working with local authorities to manage waste on four inhabited islands in West Manggarai—two of which lie within Komodo National Park. Due to limited government resources, the region's Environmental Agency relies heavily on Marta's expertise and grassroots efforts.
The initiative has not only helped reduce environmental damage but has also created economic opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many women in the area lost their income sources. Through Marta's program, they now earn money by collecting and selling recyclable waste, including plastics and glass bottles.
Keeping Komodo Tour Destinations Clean and Sustainable
For the thousands of travelers embarking on a Komodo tour each year, few realise the behind-the-scenes work required to maintain the region's natural beauty. Marta's story highlights the importance of sustainable tourism and local action in preserving these unique ecosystems.
Labuan Bajo's environmental challenges remind us that responsible tourism requires more than just enjoying the views—it means actively supporting those who work to protect them.
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