A mass strike carried out by actors and tourism operators in Labuan Bajo led to police arrests in West Manggarai, West Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Monday (1/8).

One of those who took part in the action, Rio Prakoso, said at least 10 people were arrested. Including the Chairman of the West Manggarai Tourism Rescue Community Forum (FORMAP) Rafael Todowera.

"About 10 people (who were arrested) but for the friends I know, there are six people as far as I know. But the information is all ten people," said Rio Prakoso when contacted by CNNIndonesia.com, Monday (1/8).

He conveyed that the arrests of the masses who carried out the strike took place in Puncak Wairingin.

Some of the ten people arrested by the police were recognized by him. They are Ahyar Abadi, Luis, Rafael Todowela (Chairman of Formapp) and Afand.

He denied that the arrest of the mob who carried out the action took place at Komodo Airport, as stated by the West Manggarai Police Chief, AKBP Felli Hermanto.

"At Puncak Wairingin, the arrest was not made at the airport. There was no action at the airport, nothing, nothing. I guarantee it. There was no demonstration at the airport," said Rio, who took part in the strike.

Rio said it was carried out by a fully armed police force when the crowd arrived at Wairingin Peak. One of those arrested was Luis who was giving a speech at the end of the mass strike while picking up trash.

"From the authorities it is clear that there is (violence) and there is video evidence," he said.

Rio said tourism actors who carried out mass strikes are now becoming restless due to the violence and arrests made by the police.

West Manggarai Police Chief, AKBP Felli Hernato agreed that there was violence from his personnel. However, he said officers needed to do that because the crowd was resisting.

"That was the reaction (from the authorities), because the person concerned resisted (when he was arrested)," he said.

He confirmed that the people who were detained were those who gave speeches. There were also several other people suspected of being intruders who participated in the action.

Felli reiterated that the arrest took place at Komodo Airport. The reason is, the mass action has threatened a vital national object and also prevented the arrival of guests to Labuan Bajo.

"The problem has been to enter and fight against breaking through the fence of national vital objects that hinder the arrival of foreign guests and tourists," said Felli.

Felli also claimed to have a video when the arrest was made at the airport. This action was not accompanied by any notification to the police.

The strike and long march of tourism actors were carried out in response to the determination of the tariffs for entering Komodo Island and Padar Island. They do not agree with the ticket price being increased to Rp.3.75 million because it can kill the tourism sector.