"This is fundamentally a matter of awareness. The swimming ban at Parangtritis Beach has long been in effect," Sultan HB X stated at the Kepatihan Complex in Yogyakarta on Monday.
The Sultan expressed disappointment that several visitors continued to swim despite warnings from officers, attributing this to a lack of understanding of the risks in the southern sea, particularly among tourists from outside the region.
"Locals from Yogyakarta may be aware (of the dangers), and therefore avoid it. However, visitors from outside the region are often uninformed," he explained.
Regarding compliance, the Sultan drew attention to a similar issue in other tourist areas, such as Malioboro, where some visitors still litter due to unfamiliarity with local customs.
"One person throws trash in the bin, another person litters. That is more or less the problem," he pointed out.
According to the Sultan, although warning signs have been installed in the Parangtritis Beach area, it is still necessary to add more signs as a preventive measure.
He asserted that prevention efforts primarily hinge on the tourists' personal awareness, as field officers are unable to monitor every individual.
"It is not that easy. It is also impossible to handle each individual," Ngarsa Dalem, nicknamed Sultan HB X, stated.
He expressed hope that tourists visiting beaches in the DIY region would be more vigilant and heed the existing warnings for everyone's safety.
Related news: Parangtritis Beach not for swimming: Basarnas
Head of the Yogyakarta Tourism Office Imam Pratanadi stated that school chaperones must diligently supervise students at tourist locations, ensuring their compliance with all directives from field officers.
"We urge that student chaperones truly monitor their children to ensure they comply with safety standards set by the local government, tourist villages, and pokdarwis," Imam remarked.
Pratanadi warned that Yogyakarta's southern coast, a popular destination for student groups, also poses inherent dangers, making early education vital to reduce accident risks.
"The children under his guidance must be able to truly understand the dangers if they break the rules, which are also explained by the SAR team at the location," he stated.
Related news: Tourist attraction managers, regional govts urged to ensure safety
Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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