VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

International dragon boat race re-enlivened the city of Tanjung Pinang, Riau Island. The event that includes in the annual agenda of Riau Island provincial government has entered the 17^th year. Met after the opening ceremony on Friday, October 19^th 2018 in Tanjung Pinang, Riau Island, Head of Tanjung Pinang Tourism Agency, Raja Kholidin said that the international dragon boat race brings about a remarkable impact on Tanjung Pinang economy.

“The dragon boat race activity has been held for 17 years. This is one of the efforts to re-elevate Chinese culture that the dragon boat is unique and loved by our people. That’s why, we make it as an event which also becomes tools to promote our region. So, foreign tourists want to visit Tanjung Pinang. This activity is held because of our colleagues from the ministry of tourism and provincial and city government also supports us. The event is part of Tanjung Pinang tourism annual agenda. So, every year, we hold this because the impact is remarkable on this event as we can see now. Previously, Tanjung Pinang was very quiet but now is busy. At least, the people crowd the event once a year.” Raja Kholidin said. 

Raja Kholidin added that this event can fulfill the targeted number of 50.000 foreign tourists by the Tourism Ministry for Tanjung Pinang. Held since October 19^th to 21^st 2018, International dragon boat race is participated by 44 teams; 10 of them are from other countries. Malaysia becomes the biggest participants in this event by delivering seven teams while Brunei Darussalam with two teams and Singapore one team. Meanwhile, there are 10 teams from other regions that join in this race, such as Jakarta with two teams, Riau province three teams and Jambi with five teams. While, the rest is the local people with 24 teams. (VOI/NK/RHM)