Through the 'Diving Safety 1000 Education' program, Indonesia is expected to become increasingly recognized as a world-class diving destination that is not only beautiful but also safe and reliable.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism (and) the Divers Alert Network (DAN) have completed the ‘Diving Safety 1000 Education’ series of activities, a capacity-building program for professional marine tourism entrepreneurs focused on improving the safety and security of diving activities.

The activities, which took place in Indonesia’s fishermen town of Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara Province, on April 15, 2026, involved 50 participants from the Komodo Professional Divers Association) and the Labuan Bajo National Search and Rescue Agency.

The agenda also marked the conclusion of the ’Diving Safety 1000 Initiative’ series, first launched in October 2023.

Itok Parikesit, Assistant Deputy for Tourism Product Development at the Ministry of Tourism, explained in Labuan Bajo on Wednesday (April 15th) that safety is a fundamental element in the development of Indonesia's marine tourism products, particularly in enhancing the destination's competitiveness globally.

"In accordance with the mandate of the 2025–2045 National Medium-Term Development Plan to prepare Labuan Bajo as a Priority Tourism Destination with a focus on developing marine-based global tourism, improving diving safety and security is a primary prerequisite," Itok said.

This activity falls under the medium-to high-risk tourism industry, so safety standards must be continuously strengthened to ensure that Indonesian destinations are not only beautiful but also safe for domestic and international tourists," Itok added.

He further said the educational materials, which cover Basic Life Support, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen Supply, delivered directly by professional instructors from the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), are expected to be essential tools for the frontline dive tourism industry in Labuan Bajo to address potential risks in the field.

"Through this joint effort, we are committed to achieving zero accidents in diving activities while preserving the marine ecosystem as the primary resource for Indonesian dive tourism," Itok said.

Overall, the program has achieved its target of reaching 1,000 beneficiaries in various leading dive destinations in Indonesia, including Labuan Bajo, Bali, Manado, Maratua, the Seribu Islands, Gili Matra, and Raja Ampat.

"Through the program, we hope to further recognize Indonesia as a world-class dive tourism destination that is not only beautiful, but also safe and reliable," Itok remarked.

The President and CEO of Divers Alert Network (DAN), Cliff Richardson, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in improving diving safety standards.

As an international non-profit organization specializing in diving safety, DAN is committed to supporting the Ministry of Tourism in strengthening a sustainable marine tourism ecosystem, including through the development of diving education and emergency services to realize Indonesia as a safe diving destination.

"Safety is at the heart of everything we do at the Divers Alert Network. The success of the '1,000 beneficiaries in 1,000 days' initiative is not just about numbers, but about lives protected. We are proud to collaborate with Indonesia in promoting world-class safety standards," Cliff Richardson said.

Andhy MT Marpaung, President Director of the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority, expressed his appreciation for the program's implementation and emphasized that safety is a key foundation for sustainable tourism development in Labuan Bajo.

"We want to ensure that every tourist who comes to Labuan Bajo not only has a wonderful experience but also a sense of security. This program is a concrete manifestation of collaboration in establishing a new standard of professional, resilient, and globally competitive marine tourism human resources," Andhy said.

The Head of the West Manggarai Regency Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Office, Stefanus Jemsifori, also expressed his appreciation for the central government's commitment to promoting the sustainable strengthening of marine tourism security and safety in Labuan Bajo.

In addition to the ‘Diving Safety 1000 Education’ program, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with DAN, also held a ‘Safety Talk’ on Marine Tourism Security and Safety on April 16, 2026, in Labuan Bajo.

This forum serves as a place to strengthen coordination and awareness among stakeholders in realizing safe, professional, and sustainable marine tourism.

Reporting by Indonesia Window