Indonesia Unveils National Diving Directory: A 2026 Guide to Sustainable Marine Tourism & Safety

As we head into 2026, the global traveler is no longer just looking for a “pretty view.” They are looking for safety, reliability, and proof that their presence isn’t harming the planet. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana emphasized that this directory serves as the “gold standard” for the industry.

“This guide is designed to be both informative and educational,” Wardhana stated during a year-end conference in Jakarta. “It supports our goal of developing tourism that is safe, professional, and—most importantly—environmentally sustainable.”

The directory provides a dual-purpose service:

For the Diver: It offers detailed profiles of sites, current conditions, and logistical advice.

For the Industry: It sets a benchmark for local operators, encouraging them to upgrade their safety standards and environmental practices to be featured.

Safety First: Beyond the Reef

Diving is an inherently high-risk activity, and Indonesia is committed to moving away from its “wild west” reputation in remote areas. The new directory puts a heavy emphasis on infrastructure and travel safety.

One of the most valuable features of the directory is the mapping of Emergency Medical Support. For the first time, travelers can easily identify dive hubs with:

• Hyperbaric Chambers: Essential for treating decompression sickness.
• Certified Operators: A list of centers that meet international safety and insurance standards.
• Transport Logistics: Clear instructions on how to reach remote sites like Morotai or Alor safely.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader “Improving Travel Safety” priority program for 2026, which includes updated skills training for guides handling extreme tourism activities.

Spotlight on the Eastern Frontier

While Bali and the Gili Islands remain popular, the directory shines a bright light on Eastern Indonesia. These areas hold the richest marine life on Earth but are also the most vulnerable to climate change and over-tourism.

Sustainability: The “Clean Tourism Movement”

The directory isn’t just about where to go; it’s about how to be. Indonesia is integrating the Green Fins initiative—a UN-backed approach to reducing the environmental impact of diving and snorkeling.

By following the directory’s guidelines, divers are encouraged to:

• Avoid Anchoring: Using mooring buoys instead of dropping heavy anchors on coral.
• Respect Marine Life: No touching, feeding, or harassing underwater creatures.
• Support Local Communities: The directory highlights Tourism Villages, ensuring that diving dollars flow back into local pockets, supporting schools and conservation efforts rather than just international hotel chains.

The Digital Transformation: Accessing the Directory

In line with Indonesia’s “Tourism 5.0” strategy, the directory will be fully accessible through a digital platform at indonesia.travel. The ministry has even introduced MaiA, an AI-powered travel assistant, to help users navigate the directory and find up-to-the-minute information on weather, permit requirements, and dive site availability.

A Human Note: Protecting What We Love

For the local dive masters of Labuan Bajo or the coral reef restorers in Bali, this directory is a lifeline. It validates their hard work in protecting their “backyard” and gives them a platform to compete on the global stage.

As travelers, when we use these resources, we are doing more than just planning a trip; we are participating in the stewardship of the ocean. We are choosing the operator who recycles, the resort that uses solar power, and the dive guide who picks up plastic during a safety stop.

Conclusion: A Deep-Sea Revolution

The launch of the Wonderful Indonesia Diving Directory marks a turning point for the nation. It transforms Indonesia from a collection of “hidden gems” into a world leader in structured, sustainable, and safe marine tourism.

As we look toward 2026, the message from the Indonesian archipelago is clear: The water is warm, the reefs are waiting, and the path to experiencing them has never been clearer—or more responsible.

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