Defending Social and Ecological Space: A Critical Analysis of the Documentary Film Dragon for Sale and Premium Tourism on Komodo Island, Indonesia

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Saragih H., Qorib F., Mardiana S., Saragih G. S.

Tourism, vol.74, no.1, pp.66-78, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 74 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.37741/t.74.1.4
  • Journal Name: Tourism
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index
  • Page Numbers: pp.66-78
  • Keywords: documentary film, ecological space, Komodo Island, super-premium tourism, “Dragon for Sale”
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: No

Abstract

This research examines the controversy surrounding premium tourism development in Labuan Bajo. It specifically focuses on the eviction of the Ata Modo community from Komodo Island, as depicted in the documentary Dragon for Sale. The documentary is both a cinematic work and a journalistic report that documents real-life socio-political issues. Using Teun A. van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the study examines the tension between government-driven tourism policies and the rights of local communities. It delves into the government's plans for tourism development around Komodo dragons, highlighting the adverse impacts on local communities, including displacement and loss of cultural identity. The findings underscore the conflict and deprivation of community rights, emphasising the exclusion of local voices from decision-making and calling for more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable tourism policies.