Indonesia has drafted in hundreds more police as Komodo National Park tourism businesses began a month-long strike.
They are protesting a huge price hike in National Park fees.
Fees increased from US$13 to US$250.
World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park is home to the infamous Komodo dragons, the only place the endangered lizards can be seen in the wild.
The hiked admission fees are for Komodo and Padar islands although the dragons are also found on Rinca Island and a small area of nearby Flores.
“We have no other option, we have conveyed all our rational opinions and arguments but the government didn’t listen,” Servianus Setiawan, a tour operator said.
“We support Komodo conservation but please come up with a sensible number so we can protect Komodo dragons and people whose livelihood depends on tourism can live.”
