Jakarta – Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno will further tighten regulations for glass bridge construction at tourist attractions after a deadly incident at The Geong in Banyumas, Central Java.
"I have instructed for tighter collaboration with tourism agencies in the future, as well as all the related technical ministers. The unique design [of an attraction] must not be the only consideration," Sandiaga said on Monday.
Sandiaga also highlighted other details, such as that the attraction had not yet obtained a business license.
The fatal glass bridge incident occurred at the Limpakuwus Pine Forest on Wednesday morning. However, Sandiaga said the site had not obtained the Cleanliness, Health, Safety & Environment Sustainability (CHSE) certification.
"Safety is a must! I must emphasize that. A reminder, this certificate is valid for one year and can be extended. Unfortunately, the Pinus Limpakuwus Forest nature tourism has not yet carried out a recertification," he said.
Several tourists were on the 10-meter-high glass bridge when the flooring suddenly shattered. A tourist with the initials FA, 49, died shortly after the fall, while AI, 41, and two other victims who were hanging on the bridge's frame, WA, 39, and SSP, 45, were injured.
After an investigation, police confirmed the attraction's management overlooked complaints about the bridge's safety, such as that the glass flooring was only 1.2 centimeters tick.
Ekop Purnomo, the chairman of the Limpakuwus Pine Forest, said that he had asked The Geong's manager to get a safety evaluation in April.
According to Ekop, he received complaints on social media concerning the bridge's safety standards. The manager, however, did not show up to a requested meeting.
For now, Ekop agreed to close the tourism destination at the request of local police while the investigation continues.