Bali Tourism Operators Call for Immediate Maritime Safety Reforms Amid Rising Concerns
December 12, 2025
Recent maritime accidents near Bali have raised alarm within the island’s tourism sector, prompting calls for urgent reforms to enhance marine safety standards, improve port oversight, and upgrade infrastructure. In the first half of 2025, three significant incidents involving tourist vessels have highlighted persistent safety challenges in Bali’s busy waters, underscoring the need for decisive government intervention.
Notable Incidents Prompting Urgency
The concerns stem primarily from three troubling events: a tourist boat capsized in Nusa Penida in March, a fast boat accident occurred near Nusa Lembongan in June, and a ferry sank along the critical Ketapang-Gilimanuk route in July. These accidents have exposed vulnerabilities in vessel safety and operational management. While immediate cancellations of tours have been limited so far, tourism operators are increasingly apprehensive, especially given the dependency of overland travel between Java and Bali on ferry transport.
Industry Leaders Point to Regulatory and Enforcement Gaps
I Nyoman Subrata, Secretary General of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali Chapter, attributed these incidents to regulatory gaps and inconsistent enforcement by marine and port authorities. “If these accidents continue, they threaten not only traveler safety but also Bali’s hard-earned reputation as a safe and premier travel destination,” Subrata warned. He urged the government to go beyond mere appeals and implement stricter regulations coupled with effective enforcement. He also called for significant investments in crucial ports like Gilimanuk and Nusa Penida to bolster operational safety.
Tourism Operators Take Proactive Measures
In an effort to counteract perceived regulatory shortcomings, some tourism companies have started developing independent vetting procedures for ferry and boat operators. Wisnu Arimbawa, Managing Director of Good Day Tour, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. “We’ve initiated internal safety protocols because we can no longer afford to wait for authorities to act. While ideally such matters should be handled by the government, proactive steps are necessary to protect tourists and operators alike,” he said.
Government Response: Increased Coordination and Enforcement
In response, the Ministry of Tourism has pledged to strengthen coordination efforts alongside the Ministry of Transportation, regional governments, and search and rescue agencies to more rigorously enforce marine safety laws. Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa stressed the importance of disciplined implementation of safety protocols across all operational levels. She highlighted accountability and ongoing oversight as vital components to ensure safe maritime tourism practices.
Preparations for Peak Travel Season
Locally, the Bali Provincial Tourism Office is prioritizing safety enhancements in preparation for the peak travel season from June to August. Head of the office, Wayan Sumarajaya, stressed reinforcing safety protocols and readiness at key marine entry points to manage increased visitor traffic while minimizing risks.
Addressing Infrastructure Disparities for Long-Term Safety
Looking ahead, operators express hope that the root causes of these incidents—mainly regulatory weaknesses and infrastructure deficits—will be addressed comprehensively. Subrata pointed out the disparity between the government’s robust investments in air transportation and the comparatively neglected maritime infrastructure. “If Indonesia aims to establish Bali as a global marine tourism hub, maritime safety cannot remain reactive. It must be integral to all phases of planning, operation, and supervision,” he stated.
Collective Responsibility for Bali’s Future
The growing momentum for improved maritime safety underscores a shared responsibility among authorities, tourism operators, and stakeholders to safeguard travelers and uphold Bali’s status as a world-class destination. Enhanced regulations, consistent enforcement, and infrastructure modernization collectively form the path forward in mitigating maritime risks and preserving the island’s tourism vitality.
This series of developments highlights the pressing call for reform in Bali’s maritime tourism sector to prevent future tragedies and maintain confidence in the island’s travel offerings. As safety concerns gain heightened attention, all parties are urged to collaborate on solutions that protect both visitors and the enduring tourism economy.
For ongoing updates on maritime safety and tourism in Bali, please stay tuned to trusted industry news sources.
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