Thursday, July 10, 2025

Indonesia’s leading tourist destination, Bali, now has rising concerns over maritime safety. One boat and ferry accident after another has sent panic to the local population and tourists. Operators are calling for increased security measures, more efficient management of ports, and tremendous investment in infrastructure to prevent future emergencies.

The island, renowned for its stunning beaches and burgeoning marine tourism, relies heavily on boat and ferry services to connect the popular tourist regions, including Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Needless to say, the latest events have gone to emphasize the risks involved in sea voyages in the region.

In March, a tragic incident occurred when a tourist boat capsized off the coast of Nusa Penida. Then, in June, a fast boat accident near Nusa Lembongan resulted in several injuries, raising further concerns about safety. Finally, in July, a ferry sank on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route, which serves as a critical link between Bali and Java. While these accidents have not led to a widespread decline in tourism, the growing number of incidents has alarmed tourism operators who fear for the safety of their guests.

According to I Nyoman Subrata, the Secretary General of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali Chapter, these incidents are the result of regulatory shortcomings and inconsistent enforcement by marine and port authorities. “Bali’s reputation as a safe destination is at risk if we continue to ignore the problem,” Subrata warned, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues before they escalate.

Tourism operators and local authorities agree that the government must take more serious steps to improve safety standards across the maritime sector. “It’s time for the government to go beyond appeals. We need stronger regulation, real enforcement, and urgent investment in key ports like Gilimanuk and Nusa Penida,” Subrata stressed.

In response to growing concerns, the Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to enhance coordination with the Ministry of Transportation, local governments, and search and rescue teams to ensure the enforcement of marine safety regulations. Ni Luh Puspa, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, stated that the government is focused on not just creating safety protocols but also ensuring their effective implementation. “Marine tourism safety requires discipline, accountability, and consistent oversight across all operators and routes,” she said.

In the absence of robust government action, some tour operators have opted to implement their own safety measures. Wisnu Arimbawa, managing director of Good Day Tour, revealed that his company is now vetting ferry and boat operators independently. “We can’t afford to be passive. Safety is our priority, and we have started developing our own internal protocols to ensure that our clients are safe,” Arimbawa said.

While operators acknowledge the need for government intervention, they stress that they cannot wait indefinitely for improvements to be made. Instead, they have taken matters into their own hands to ensure that their operations meet the highest safety standards possible.

On a more local level, the Bali Tourism Office has ramped up its efforts to ensure safety during the peak travel season from June to August. Wayan Sumarajaya, head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, emphasized the importance of preparedness and quick response in the face of these growing concerns. “We have called on all relevant agencies to reinforce safety protocols and ensure readiness at all key marine gateways,” he said.

Moreover, local officials are making concerted efforts to ensure that key ports and marine routes are properly maintained and equipped to handle the growing influx of tourists during the peak season. The government’s focus remains on both preventive measures and swift responses to any emergencies that may arise.

Looking ahead, tourism operators have called for a more systematic and long-term approach to addressing Bali’s maritime safety challenges. I Nyoman Subrata pointed out that while Indonesia has made significant investments in air travel infrastructure, maritime infrastructure has largely been neglected. “If we want to become a global marine tourism destination, safety must be built into every aspect of planning, operations, and oversight, not just as a reactionary measure,” Subrata noted.

The importance of robust infrastructure cannot be overstated, as Bali’s tourism industry relies heavily on its maritime transport network. Without significant upgrades to ports, safety systems, and regulatory frameworks, Bali risks not only its reputation but also the safety of its tourists.

The recent spate of maritime accidents serves as a wake-up call for the tourism industry in Bali for all to heed. Preventive measures have been established to reduce these occurrences, yet more efforts must be made for Bali to remain safe for tourists from around the globe.

Operators, authorities, and local government will need to cooperate to create a more secure and reliable maritime tourism experience. The process will require continual investment in infrastructure, stringent regulation, and commitment to safety at all levels. Only in this manner will Bali continue to be considered a world-class marine tourism destination.

As the tourism industry in Bali faces these emerging threats, hope is in the air that the needed reforms will come sooner rather than later. The tourism operators, the local government, and the state are all determined to see the maritime infrastructure of the island has safety incorporated in it—and the island remains the beautiful destination people know it to be, for its beauty and for its safety.