By: Syarif Yulius Hadinata (WWF-Indonesia)

Bokori village was the first village we - the species and fisheries team, visited. Bokori villagers used to live on Bokori Island, a small island not too far from the village. Due to abrasion by the waves, the residents were relocated and Bokori Island became a tourist destination.

"Boko in the Bajo language means turtle, and ri indicates a place. So, Bokori is a place where turtles laid their eggs before humans inhabited it," explains Mr. Ruslan, the village head of Bokori who has served since 2014.
Along the way to the village, we found many ferry services to Bokori Island, a 2.7-hectare island.

When it began to be developed as a tourist destination, residents were relocated; the first time was in 1984. Some residents were moved and formed a village, Mekar Village. Following in 1987, the relocation of residents formed this Bokori Village, which then also blossomed again into Bajo Indah Village three years later.

All three villages are located on the mainland coast of Southeast Sulawesi; about an hour's drive from Kendari. To be precise, to the west of Bokori Island, which is now depopulated. The memories that remain, as beautiful as the island's attraction for local, national, and foreign tourists.

To visit Bokori Island, it takes 15 minutes to cross from Mekar Village, Bajo Indah Village, or Bokori Village. The cost required is IDR 10,000 - IDR 15,000 / person. Similar to other tourist attractions, in the management of tourism potential, visitors who come to Bokori Island are charged an entrance fee of IDR 5,000 / person. If you want to spend the night to enjoy the beauty of Turtle Island, visitors can camp or resort at a rate of Rp 750,000 - Rp 1,500,000/night.

According to Mr. Ruslan's information, in the management of Bokori Island, the Konawe Regency Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism Office (Disporabudpar) cooperates with third parties, namely contractors to help develop tourism potential.

Later, in 2018, it will be fully handed over to the Regional Government for sustainable management. "Later, there is also a plan to install a net around the island so that garbage does not enter," he explained.

With the commitment as a tourist destination, fishermen no longer go to sea around Bokori Island, but to Saponda Island and its surroundings. With the commitment as a tourist destination, we hope that its management will not only benefit visitors, but also spread benefits to the local community.