Labuan Bajo aims to become a world-class diving destination, prioritizing safety.

Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, has long been known as the gateway to Komodo National Park. This destination is now being prepared to become one of the world's premier diving tourism hubs, with safety as its foundational pillar.

The Ministry of Tourism and Divers Alert Network (DAN) have launched the "Diving Safety 1000 Education" initiative. This program prioritizes diver security.

Beneath Labuan Bajo's waters, tourists discover vibrant coral walls, manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and challenging currents—even for experienced divers.

Yet as destinations grow popular, safety standards become increasingly crucial.

Itok Parikesit, Assistant Deputy for Tourism Product Development at the Ministry, emphasized that safety is fundamental for Indonesia's marine tourism development, especially to enhance global competitiveness.

"These activities fall under medium-to-high risk tourism, demanding strengthened safety standards so our destinations aren't just beautiful but also secure for Domestic and international travelers," stated Itok in Jakarta.

The program in Labuan Bajo on Wednesday, April 15th involved 50 participants from the Komodo Professional Divers Association (P3KOM) and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

Human resource readiness is critical for marine tourism. Thus, training focused on emergency life-saving skills in remote locations.

Itok explained the "Diving Safety 1000 Education" curriculum covers Basic Life Support, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen Provider training delivered directly by professional instructors from the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).

This knowledge equips Labuan Bajo's frontline diving professionals to handle field risks.

The event concluded the first series of the "Diving Safety 1000 Initiative" launched in October 2023.

Nationally, the program has reached 1,000 beneficiaries across Indonesia's top dive destinations: Bali, Manado, Raja Ampat, Maratua, Thousand Islands, and Gili Matra.

Labuan Bajo receives special attention as Indonesia's Premium Tourism showcase.

"Through this initiative, Indonesia aims to be globally recognized as a world-class dive destination—not only stunning but also safe and reliable," said Itok.

Support comes from Divers Alert Network, a nonprofit international institution renowned for decades as the global benchmark for dive safety.

Amstid global marine tourism competition, Labuan Bajo is forging a new identity.

Not merely the gateway to Komodo dragons, but where underwater adventure meets world-class professionalism, Conservation, and safety standards.