Lake Toba sports tourism booms after 2023 jet ski race

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TOBA, North Sumatra (ANTARA) – The 2023 Jet Ski World Championships, which will be held in Indonesia for the first time from November 22 to 26, 2023, showcases the country’s latest developments in sports tourism.

Through this event, the government reaffirmed the sports tourism agenda included in the National Sports Master Plan (DBON) 2021-2045.

Adhering to the concept of sports tourism, the central and local governments held large-scale jet ski competitions in the four districts of Karo, Deri, Samosir and Toba in North Sumatra Province.

During the five-day event, tourists and spectators flocked to the shores of Lake Toba to watch the riders compete.

According to Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, the Lake Toba Jet Ski World Championship attracted nearly 100,000 participants.

“The number far exceeds the government’s target of about 14,000 visitors,” Uno said after visiting the H2O F1 Arena in Balig Port, Toba District, the venue for the final day of the event.

Uno explained that many countries have already started to strengthen their sports tourism industry and Indonesia does not intend to lag behind.

Furthermore, he said Indonesia has natural and cultural wealth that could go some way to supporting world-class sporting events.

Lake Toba’s potential

Dali District Chief Eddy Keleng Ate Berutu affirmed that the holding of the Jet Ski World Championships has inspired his district to continue hosting sports tourism events.

According to Berutu, in addition to hosting water sports events such as jet ski competitions, the Daili District can also host attractive tourism activities with the help of its beautiful geographical conditions.

Beirutu said the jet ski race inspired Dairi to hold other tourism sports events such as hiking, cycling, running and rock climbing.

Berutu said he was grateful to Daly for being one of the organizers of the jet ski race, and he saw the event as an opportunity to showcase the unique character of the area to visitors.

The Dali District was the venue for the endurance race of the competition, with 22 endurance racers from home and abroad competing at Taosiralashi Beach.

Jet ski racing is considered a new sport that has been successful in attracting spectators and tourists to Daly.

Beirutu explained that the region went through a rigorous selection process before being chosen as one of the venues for the competition.

After the event, the central committee will evaluate and retest the area in the coming year to determine its viability.

Mr Berutu said the water bike event had opened a new chapter for the Dairy region, demonstrating its ability to host international events, and he hoped the Dairy region would continue to be a host for high-quality events in the next five years.

At the same time, the Samosir District Government also made a number of efforts to attract tourism profits during the water cycling event, optimizing the use of funds, publicity and promotion, and the layout of the Pangurulan coastal city.

In addition to technical and financial support, the Samosir District also provides education to the communities surrounding the venue.

The educational campaign was conducted to create awareness among locals and welcome domestic and foreign tourists who come to watch the jet ski race.

Therefore, Samosir’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are ready with traditional snacks, clothing and island souvenirs to welcome tourists.

Samosir Island is a large volcanic island in Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world.

It is hoped that by promoting the uniqueness of the region, riders from overseas and their official teams will be able to see first-hand the souvenirs and tourism products on offer.

Samosir District Governor Vandiko Gultom said the Lake Toba Water Cycling Championship provides a free promotional platform for local businesses with potential customers from abroad.

Gulton said his district has been focusing on the sports tourism concept used in water cycling events. He explained that the district started using the concept long before the central government proposed it.

Jet skiing is not popular in other areas along Lake Toba, but in Samosir Island, it has taken the lead in becoming a tool to promote sports tourism through rental services or stunt shows.

Potential Athletes of Aquabike

The concept of sports tourism is not only focused on making profits but also on enhancing the potential of athletes in the region.

Gurtom expressed the hope that after the jet ski competition, more jet ski athletes will emerge in the local area. He hoped that athletes from Samosir Island could achieve success at the international level and contribute to the country.

He said Samosir had great potential in developing local jet skiers considering the region was already keen on offering water tourism services.

Residents around Lake Toba, especially those near Samosir, are already familiar with jet skis. After the 2023 Jet Ski Games, the regional government encouraged jet ski rental companies to provide training for those who aspire to become athletes.

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