VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOI, Jakarta - Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo has said that the Aquabike Jetski World Championship at Lake Toba from November 22–26 could stimulate the development of the water sports industry in Indonesia.

"This event is being held based on the Grand Design of National Sports (DBON) and as part of efforts to develop sports tourism, which is an important instrument for improving the local economy," Ariotedjo informed at a press conference here on Tuesday.

The championship is expected to encourage the growth of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), he added.

"We will involve all (elements) in district/city because this is a national event and each district must be involved," he said.

This is the first time that the jetski racing championship is being held at Lake Toba, and its implementation will involve four districts surrounding the lake — Toba, Karo, Dairi, and Samosir.

Ariotedjo said that the championship is an important opportunity whose potential must be maximized by local governments. The racing event could boost the promotion of Lake Toba tourism internationally, he explained.

He noted that this year's F1 Powerboat (F1H2O) World Championship on February 24–26 generated economic impacts, such as filling up hotel rooms, increasing flights and tourist visits via Silangit Airport, as well as opening new jobs for the local community.

Minister Ariotedjo said he is optimistic that the Aquabike Jetski World Championship will be as successful as the F1 Powerboat Championship at Lake Toba.

"We will focus on this opportunity and how to maximize it so that the local communities are involved and prioritized for the economic benefits," he said.(Antaranews)