Floresa.co — A suspension bridge at the Cunca Wulang tourist site in Mbeliling district, West Manggarai, collapsed on 24 May, killing two Austrian visitors.
Jurgen (54) and Astrid (56) fell about 10 metres onto rocks below the bridge and died from their injuries.
Preliminary findings by police point to serious safety concerns. The bridge was in a deteriorated condition, with loose and lifted planks, a fragile structure, and a broken section forming a gap of about 1.2 metres.
What was entirely absent, investigators said, were basic safety measures: no written standard operating procedures for routine inspections, no warning signs for visitors, no visitor insurance, and no safety training for staff or local guides.
According to police chief Christian Kadang, a tour guide had warned the victims about slippery paths leading to the site. However, as they crossed the bridge, the wooden planks are believed to have collapsed, causing them to fall.
Their bodies are currently being held at Komodo Regional Hospital while authorities coordinate with the Austrian Embassy.
Police Promise Full Investigation
Kadang said the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently, and thoroughly.
“We will examine all aspects, including tourism safety standards, management responsibilities, and any possible negligence,” he said in a statement on 25 May.
At least five witnesses have been questioned, including the driver, tour guide, checkpoint officer, village head, and first responders.
Police are now gathering further evidence and identifying responsible parties. This includes examining the tourism office, site managers, and nearby hotels, as well as consulting construction experts and forensic investigators to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
Site Closed as Authorities Review Safety
The local government has ordered the temporary closure of the Cunca Wulang site, with no set reopening date.
Petrus Antonius Rasyid, head of the regional tourism office, said a comprehensive safety review is underway.
“This is not only about the bridge, but the entire safety system,” he said.
Authorities say the closure is intended to ensure the destination is fully safe before reopening to visitors.
“The results of this evaluation will determine when the site can reopen,” he added.
“Not Just About the Bridge”
Local lawmaker Kanisius Jehabut said the incident should trigger a broader evaluation of tourism governance.
He noted that regional regulations already require tourism development to prioritise safety alongside promotion and visitor numbers. However, he argued that in practice, safety infrastructure has often been neglected.
“If this leads to loss of life, what needs to be reviewed is not just the bridge, but the entire management of the destination,” he said.
Jehabut said the local parliament would soon review the implementation of tourism policies.
For him, the tragedy is a stark reminder that success in tourism cannot be measured by visitor numbers alone.
“Tourist safety is the main indicator of the quality of tourism governance,” he said.
A Popular Destination Mow Under Scrutiny
Cunca Wulang, which means “moon valley” in the local language, is one of the most visited inland attractions in Labuan Bajo.
Located about 30 kilometres from the town centre, it features waterfalls and clear blue natural pools surrounded by steep rock cliffs rising 30 to 40 metres.
Visitors typically travel about an hour by car from Labuan Bajo, followed by a 30–45 minute trek through the Mbeliling forest.
The site is often included in tour packages as an alternative to marine tourism and Komodo National Park, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
But behind its natural beauty, the recent tragedy has exposed serious concerns about safety standards at one of the region’s flagship destinations.