Riau Islands Tourism Agency Demands Safety Priority for Sea Transport Users

The Riau Islands Tourism Agency has issued a strict directive to tourism operators, emphasizing the paramount importance of passenger safety for sea transportation. This call to action comes after a recent incident where a boat capsized near the Sri Bintan Pura Port in Tanjungpinang. The agency's head, Hasan, stated that all relevant parties, including travel agents, tour guides, and boat operators, must adhere to designated official departure and arrival points.

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We urge all related parties to be orderly in picking up and dropping off tourists at the official locations determined by the government.

Hasan stressed that compliance with these regulations is crucial not only for the safety of tourists but also for their comfort and the overall image of tourism in the Riau Islands. He specifically requested that travel agents and tour guides ensure tourists use the correct departure points and refrain from boarding passengers at unofficial locations.

The local government has designated two official departure points for tourists using boats: Pelantar Kuning, a traditional point for trips to the historic Pulau Penyengat, and Pelantar II Kuala Riau. These points are intended to streamline operations and enhance oversight of maritime transport, particularly for tourist services in Tanjungpinang.

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Travel agents, tour guides, and boat operators must be more disciplined in managing tourist trips via sea routes.

The agency views the recent capsizing incident as a stark reminder of the need for robust coordination among all stakeholders involved in maritime tourism. Ensuring adherence to safety procedures at official transit points is vital for effective monitoring and the smooth operation of sea transport services for both tourists and the local community.

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The orderliness of using departure and arrival points is very important to support the supervision of sea transportation activities, especially those serving tourists and the community in Tanjungpinang.