In a world where 10-word headlines on social media feeds inform the public more than anything, panic can spread quickly. So it’s understandable that divers may have been concerned yesterday when headlines from the Guardian and Washington Post read “Komodo Considers Tourist Ban” and “Komodo Island is shutting down …” respectively. While it’s true that Indonesian officials have publicly spoken about considering closing Komodo Island for tourism in 2020, this will not have the effect on dive travelers that the headlines might suggest.

Is Komodo National Park Closing in 2020?

In a word: No. A March 29 report from Tempo stated that the Ministry of Environment and Forestry decided to close the island in 2020 to allow for the Komodo dragon population and other wildlife to rebound after a recent dragon smuggling ring was exposed. But the South China Morning Post later reported that the decision is not final. Police discovered that 41 juvenile dragons had been sold on Facebook after being smuggled out of the park, earning payments of $3,500 to $35,000 per animal. It’s estimated that there are about 5,700 dragons remaining in the park.

Regardless of the ultimate decision, there are a few things divers should know:

• Komodo National Park is made up of 20-plus islands — Komodo Island is one of three major islands in the park.
• A closure of Komodo Island does not equal a closer of the national park — no dive sites will be affected by this closure.
• Many Komodo dragon sightseeing tours are conducted on the smaller Rinca Island. This is easy for liveaboards to reach and offers less crowds from tourists on the main island. There are no plans being discussed to close Rinca.

A word of advice for divers worried about 2020 plans: Don't panic. The park's dive sites will still deliver an incredible experience (read about it here).

We will keep this story updated as any news on a potential closure is announced.