Jakarta (Antara Kalbar) - The upcoming international maritime event of Sail Karimata Strait 2016 will make a substantial contribution to the district of North Kayong in the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan.
In addition, the Sail Karimata main event on October 15, 2016 in North Kayong district will also contribute positively to developing national tourism, improve public welfare, and boost the image of the district as a tourism destination.
While launching the event in Jakarta on June 1, 2016, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli congratulated the North Kayong city government for hosting such an international sailing event.
Expressing his happiness, Rizal Ramli said that when the Sail Karimata Strait event is launched, it will also be held in the provinces of West Kalimantan, Jambi, Bangka-Beliltung, and Riau Islands, and would also contribute to infrastructure development in the regions.
The main activities of the sailing event will include a national seminar on maritime affairs to be organized in Jambi on August 25, 2016, the Belitung Festival on October 22, and the Riau Islands Maritime Festival on October 28.
However, a series of other activities to welcome the Sail Karimata Strait, will kick off June 1, while the peak event will be held in North Kayong District, West Kalimantan, on October 15.
The impact of this international maritime event on the local communities is huge, and therefore it needs to be supported by all parties.
The Sail Karimata Strait will attract around 15 thousand tourists, comprising five thousand international tourists and ten domestic tourists, according to Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.
The amount of tourist spending is expected to reach Rp65 billion (around US$5-6 million) in case of foreigners and Rp10 billion ($740,000) in case of domestic tourists.
No wonder, North Kayong District Head Hildi Hamid has stated that he was optimistic about the success of the main event of Sail Strait Karimata on October 15 in the district.
North Kayong district capital of Sukadana has been asked to be the prime location of the Sail Karimata main event, after which a series of events will be held from August to October in the provinces of West Kalimantan, Jambi, Bangka-Beliltung, and Riau Islands.
North Kayong is located in the south of Pontianak city and in the north of Ketapang city in West Kalimantan.
The best way to get to North Kayong district is through the city of Pontianak from where the visitors can take a 30-minute flight to Ketapang and then undertake a drive of less than two hours to reach the district.
The other way is from Pontianak to Kubu Raya, and from there to North Kayong by boat which could take some 2.5 hours.
In its bid to boost local revenue for the welfare of the local people, the North Kayong district government is making every effort to develop the concept of marine tourism.
The international maritime event is also expected to contribute towards the sustainable development of marine tourism in the North Kayong district to improve the local economy.
One of the tourist attractions being promoted is Karimata Islands which has promising underwater beauty that is not widely known by people who like underwater activities.
Karimata Islands are located approximately 100 kilometers west of the town Ketapang, and are currently included in the district of North Kayong.
The islands have amazing ecosystems such as mangroves and tropical forests and stunning underwater scenery.
Karimata Islands consist of two large islands namely Karimata and Serutu, and several other small islands with very beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Karimata Islands can be reached from the city of Pontianak by a motor boat that takes about 18 hours.
Sail Karimata 2016 will showcase the biodiversity of Karimata Strait to the world, promoting its potential to become a global marine tourism destination in Kayong Utara district, West Kalimantan.
Therefore, the West Kalimantan provincial administration has been busy making preparations to ensure the success of the international maritime event.
The North Kayong district head is committed to making the Sail Karimata Strait the greatest sailing event as it is being managed by four provinces.
A total of 20 activities have been prepared to enliven the event.
The 20 activities that have been prepared are the commemoration of the 71st Independence Day at an outlying island, Surya Baskara Jaya Health Operation, Nusantara Jaya Expedition, and Universal Village Development Movement, in addition to the Cross Nusantara Youth and Maritime Youth, Marine Research Expedition, Yacht Rally, and National and International Seminars.
There is also Public Economic Empowerment, Creative Economic Development, and National Insight and State Defense, apart from Marine Sports, and Regional Potential Exhibition, among others.
The Kayong Utara district has been selected to host the Sail Karimata Strait this year as the event will have a positive impact on tourism and infrastructure development in the district.
Therefore, various supporting infrastructure is being developed to support tourism and to improve the welfare of the local community.
