Sabang in Aceh Suitable for Hosting Water Sports Venue, Ministry Says

VIVA – Sabang City in Aceh is suitable venue for hosting water sports events as It is famous for marine tourism, according to the Director of Regional Events for the Deputy for Product Development and Organization of Tourism Activities of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, who is also the Acting Mayor of Sabang, Reza Fahlevi.

“Sports tourism is very famous in Indonesia and the world, and Sabang is very ready (to hold) nautical sports events,” Fahlevi said in Sabang City on Monday.

Weh Island in Sabang, which is rich in sea resources, is well-known on foreign shores. Hence, Fahlevi said, Sabang can hold marine sports events such as a triathlon series, bike racing, marathons, Gran Fondo, and others. It can also host water sports such as diving, open-water swimming, and fin swimming.

"The ministry actually has an agenda for Sabang to be one of the Wonderful Triathlon Series hosts," Fahlevi informed.

Previously, the Sabang City Government successfully held the 2023 Sabang Marine Festival with the theme of “Sabang as The Gate to Indonesian Maritime Wealth,” which highlighted the region's maritime and cultural potential.

During the event, Sabang City Administration and the Sabang Free Trade Agency (BPKS) also held an Open Water Swimming Competition to promote the potential of sports tourism.

"Other than to show the ability of athletes, this activity is a way to promote sports tourism in Sabang City," the city's Head of Youth and Sports, Irfani remarked.

Sabang in Weh Island, which offers many natural attractions such as beautiful coral reefs and activities such as snorkeling and diving, is located 14 nautical miles from the province's capital, Banda Aceh.

One of the historical attractions of Sabang City, which has been designated as a free port area, is a Japanese fort. The city is also home to the Indonesian western region zero-kilometer monument.