Day Two of Marine Tourism Safety Program Strengthens Labuan Bajo’s Safety Standards

Labuan Bajo, April 15, 2026 — Entering the second day of the Marine Tourism Safety & Security Education Program in Labuan Bajo, the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (LBFTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and international partners, continues to strengthen the capacity of tourism human resources in managing risks within the marine tourism sector.

The program was officially opened by Itok Parikesit, Assistant Deputy for Tourism Product Development at the Ministry of Tourism. The event was also attended by Stefanus Jemsifori, Head of the Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Office of West Manggarai Regency, representing the local government.

In his remarks, Itok Parikesit emphasized that safety has become a core element in tourism development.

“Safety is no longer a complementary aspect, but a fundamental component of tourism product quality. Destinations must be able to provide real assurance of safety to visitors,” he stated.

As with the first day, the program began with theoretical sessions delivered by Divers Alert Network (DAN), covering essential emergency response skills such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED), emergency oxygen administration for diving-related injuries (EO2), and rapid response techniques for choking and airway obstruction.

The sessions continued with hands-on demonstrations led by instructors from the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), providing participants with practical skills applicable in real-life situations. Each participant also received a marine medikit from Divers Alert Network (DAN) to support first aid readiness in the field.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Cliff Richardson, President and CEO of Divers Alert Network (DAN), who highlighted the importance of fostering a strong safety culture in the diving and marine tourism industry.

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Divers Alert Network. The ‘1,000 in 1,000’ initiative is not just about numbers, but about the lives it will help protect. We are proud to collaborate with Indonesia in advancing world-class safety standards,” said Richardson.

Additional closing remarks were delivered by William Tong, NAUI Training Manager Asia Pacific, who underscored the importance of strengthening instructor capacity and industry readiness in ensuring safe marine tourism activities.

Acting President Director of BPOLBF, Andhy MT Marpaung, reaffirmed that safety is a fundamental pillar in building a sustainable and globally competitive tourism destination.

“Labuan Bajo must not only be known for its natural beauty, but also for its safety standards. Through this program, we are building a strong foundation to ensure our marine tourism sector becomes more professional, safe, and globally trusted,” he stated.

Through this initiative, LBFTA, together with the Ministry of Tourism, Divers Alert Network (DAN), and NAUI, continues to enhance the competencies of marine tourism stakeholders. This effort marks a significant step in transforming Labuan Bajo into a destination that is not only attractive but also safe, high-quality, and sustainable.

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Engel Vione
IT Support Specialist & Public Communication Officer
Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority
Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia