Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has certified 25,344 tour guides nationwide as part of an aggressive push to improve service quality and visitor safety. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana confirmed the figures during a meeting with Commission VII of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, citing a rise in search and rescue (SAR) operations as the primary driver for the initiative.
The Ministry of Tourism is specifically targeting high-risk activities for its certification programs, including mountain hiking, water sports such as rafting and snorkeling, and ecotourism ventures.
Rising SAR Operations and Safety Concerns
The government’s focus on safety follows a documented increase in tourism-related emergencies. According to data provided by the Ministry, SAR operations rose from 181 cases in 2024 to 229 cases in 2025. This trend has continued into the current year, with 111 cases recorded between January 1 and June 14, 2026.
Casualty figures have mirrored this upward trend in emergency interventions. Officials reported 311 tourism-related victims in 2024, a figure that climbed to 384 in 2025. For the first half of 2026, the Ministry has already logged 139 casualties.
The shift toward mandatory competency-based training suggests the Ministry is moving away from reactive rescue operations toward a proactive risk-mitigation model. By prioritizing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards in high-risk zones, the government is attempting to stabilize the industry’s reputation to maintain visitor confidence.
Expanding Competency Training
To address these safety gaps, the Ministry of Tourism has scaled up its human resource development programs. In 2026, the government conducted 10 training initiatives across five locations, successfully reaching 700 participants. Additionally, 23 certification programs were completed in 20 locations, meeting a target of 1,150 participants.
These efforts are designed to ensure that guides operating in volatile environments—such as those involved in water tourism or mountain climbing—possess the necessary skills to prevent accidents. Minister Wardhana stated that the ultimate goal of these programs is to achieve a “zero accident” vision and restore 100 percent trust in Indonesian tourism.
Future Outlook for Tourism Safety
The Ministry of Tourism plans to continue its aggressive safety program into next year. If the current trend of rising SAR cases persists, the government may likely expand these certification requirements to include more niche tourism sectors or increase the frequency of training in remote, high-risk regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tour guides have received certification?
According to Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, 25,344 tour guides nationwide have been certified.
What is the primary goal of the new certification programs?
The programs aim to improve service quality and tourism safety, with a specific vision of achieving zero accidents and 100 percent trust in the industry.
Which fields are prioritized for training?
Training is currently prioritized for mountain guides, hiking, water tourism safety, rafting, snorkeling, ecotourism, and fishing.
How do you think these certification standards will influence your decision to book adventure tours in the future?
