Recently, the public has been shocked by two tragic incidents involving students during school-organized recreational activities.
At the end of January, 13 junior high school students from SMPN 7 Mojokerto were swept away by waves at Drini Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, resulting in the death of four students.
Shortly after, a traffic accident occurred involving high school students from SMAN 1 Porong Sidoarjo at the Purwodadi toll exit on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, claiming two lives and injuring 19 others.
Numerous similar accidents at tourist sites or en route to destinations have led to fatalities.
Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, a researcher at UGM’s Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), expressed concern over these incidents.
According to him, recreational activities meant to bring joy and rejuvenation instead ended in tragedy.
While accidents are unpredictable, he believes they can be mitigated through vigilance and prioritizing safety to reduce the risk of accidents.
“These incidents could have been prevented if all parties had consistently applied safety protocols (SOP) and maintained control,” he stated at UGM Campus on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.
Dr. Raharjana emphasized that tourism operators should be most familiar with their environments, facilities, and attractions.
All equipment should be in optimal condition and closely monitored, with regular safety checks.
“Tourism and recreation service providers should professionally and consistently implement SOPs to minimize risks,” he added.
Dr. Raharjana also highlighted that tourists should feel assured of the safety of all facilities when purchasing tickets, even if insurance is included.
He recommended that operators display safety reminders and continuously urge visitors to be cautious, especially during peak times when crowd surges may cause people to neglect safety measures.
He advised tourists to be extra cautious at outdoor destinations such as Drini Beach, especially during the rainy season.
Visitors to water-related attractions should familiarize themselves with the location’s characteristics.
“Being prepared and responsible for one’s own safety is key. Schools should also remind students to be careful, and knowledge of potential wave hazards should be sought or provided to tourists. The strong waves and deep trenches along the southern coast of Java should be taken seriously,” he warned.
Dr. Raharjana also expressed concern over road accidents involving tourists, such as the recent incident in Pasuruan.
He noted that various factors, including vehicle issues and human error, contribute to these accidents.
To prevent such incidents, he urged travel agencies to ensure vehicles are well-maintained and safe for passengers.
“Vehicles must undergo regular safety checks, and all paperwork should be in order,” he explained.
He also called on government authorities, particularly the Transportation Department, to regularly inspect bus companies and assess their vehicles.
“If any vehicles are found unfit, travel agencies have the right to request newer or safer vehicles,” he added.
Lastly, Dr. Raharjana emphasized the importance of regular health checks for drivers to ensure they are fit to operate vehicles.
“A driver’s familiarity with the road is crucial for safety, as experienced drivers are generally more cautious. It’s essential for each driver to understand and learn the road conditions,” he concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang
Photo: Freepik