Yacht Festival Held in Benoa, Encourages Clearer Boat Tourism Regulations

The Yacht Festival will be held at Benoa Harbor, Denpasar, 7-9 August 2026. This event was initiated by the Indonesian National Shipowner Association (INSA). Chair of the 2026 Yacht Festival committee, Nova Yudhanto Mugijanto, said that the festival, which is held every two years, is an encouragement from the regulatory side which is deemed not suitable for boat tourism.

"One of our goals from a business perspective is regulation. We also hope that there will be regulatory improvements, one of which is to bring together the business world and regulators," said Nova when met at Benoa Harbor, Saturday (8/8/2026).

So, he continued, with this festival it is hoped that tourist boats will have clear safety classifications and standards. Because so far tourist ship regulations still follow passenger ships. INSA assesses that passenger ship regulations are still too high for tourist ships.

"Once the safety standards can increase, the risk will automatically decrease. When the risk decreases, the insurance premiums will be more competitive. Once the premiums are more competitive, all ships can get insurance and the marine tourism industry will be more bankable," explained Nova.

Then, it is hoped that the Yacht Festival can also promote tourist boats so that they can develop from a business perspective. This event can also provide the experience of enjoying a yacht for people from all walks of life.

For example, inviting 400 pupils and students to introduce and provide education about yachts. Moreover, Bali is a big tourism area in Indonesia.

"We want to try to provide an insight to these children that hospitality is not only from hotels, but also on ships, F&B is also not only in restaurants, but also on ships," said Nova.

Nova revealed that a total of two thousand visitors had attended the 2026 Yacht Festival. The plan is that this year the target is four thousand more visitors than two years ago.

Meanwhile, INSA General Chair Carmelita Hartoto said that the national shipping industry is currently facing quite dynamic global dynamics. According to him, the business world is now entering an era of uncertainty that is not temporary.

"Because of this uncertainty, what is needed today is not only the ability to manage a business, but also the ability to respond to situations quickly," said Carmelita.