Indonesia bolsters tourism safety with 25,344 certified tour guides

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that 25,344 tour guides nationwide have received competency certifications, improving service quality and tourism safety in Indonesia.

During a meeting with Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Wednesday, she emphasized that her ministry is placing a serious focus on safety and security at tourist destinations.

Data shows that the number of search and rescue (SAR) operations rose to 229 cases in 2025, up from 181 cases in 2024. Meanwhile, the year-to-date figure from January 1 to June 14, 2026, has already reached 111 cases.

In terms of casualties, the number reached 384 people in 2025, an increase from the 311 victims recorded the previous year. For the period from January 1 to June 14, 2026, the number stands at 139 people.

Consequently, the Ministry of Tourism has made strengthening tourism safety one of its flagship programs, pushing it aggressively this year and planning to extend it into next year.

"The safety aspect of tourism must be continually driven with the vision of achieving zero accidents and building 100 percent trust in Indonesian tourism," Wardhana remarked.

The Ministry of Tourism is also making efforts to upgrade the competencies of human resources in the tourism sector. In 2026, competency-based training and certifications focus on occupational safety and health (OSH) aspects, involving both associations and the community.

The minister noted that 10 competency-based training initiatives have been conducted across five locations, reaching the target of 700 participants.

Additionally, 23 competency certification programs were conducted in 20 locations, meeting the target of 1,150 participants. These initiatives reached a larger audience compared to 2025.

She outlined that the fields cover mountain guides, hiking, water tourism safety, rafting, snorkeling, ecotourism, and even fishing, with implementation being prioritized in locations with higher accident risks.

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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma, Raka Adji

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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