Thus, when the weather turns bad, the ships are not able to safeguard the tourists on board.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry has dispatched a team to review the tourist boat and service standards in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), following an accident involving a tourist vessel earlier this week.

The review will seek to ensure that tourism actors adhere to the cleanliness, health, safety, and environmental sustainability (CHSE) standards.

"The accident must not happen again. Hence, we will also coordinate with the Transportation Ministry and local government,” Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno stated here on Thursday evening.

As the holiday season is on, there will be a higher demand in the tourism industry, he noted.

He then expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims of the mishap.

As per reports, motor-powered sailing boat (KLM) Tiana sank in the waters off Kambing Island on the Labuan Bajo Port-Padar Island route at 5 a.m. Central Indonesian Standard Time (WITA, UTC+8) on Tuesday (June 28, 2022) due to bad weather and high waves.

There were 18 passengers and six crew members on board the ill-fated ship. The accident claimed the lives of two tourists.

In response, the government has emphasized that it will increase the monitoring of the captains, crew members, and the feasibility of the boats as well as educate tourism players in Labuan Bajo on safety standards.

Related news: Minister Sumadi inaugurates glass-bottom boats in Labuan Bajo

The government will also coordinate with all stakeholders to increase awareness on the proper implementation of standard operating procedures for tourism transportation.

"We must be able to control (the operation of) illegal boats because many of them are not registered and do not comply with the safety standards, such as providing buoys," Uno said.

Many vessels are not being used in accordance with their function, for instance, the use of floating lodging by tourists or crew members, he pointed out.

“Thus, when the weather turns bad, the ships are not able to safeguard the tourists on board," he added.

Related news: Tourism Ministry strengthens supply chain in Labuan Bajo

Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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