West Sumatra readies to hold 11th Tour de Singkarak by Fardah

West Sumatra Province is gearing up to implement its iconic sports tourism event of Tour de Singkarak (TdS), the international cycling race, scheduled on November 2-10, 2019.

The route for the 11^th edition of the TdS will be expanded this year for the first time to also cover Jambi Province.

Offering prizes amounting to Rp2.3 billion, TdS is the biggest international cycling race in Indonesia that has promoted tourist destinations in West Sumatra, so far.

Foreign and domestic cyclists participating in TdS are entertained with local traditional dances and culinary delicacies, with the hopes that they would one day return to Indonesia with their families and friends as well as share their experiences on social media.

"TdS has a high media value, so its implementation will affect the promotion and image of tourist destinations in West Sumatra and Jambi," Tourism Minister Arief Yahya stated.

This year, West Sumatra is optimistic of attracting 58,447 foreign tourists and 8.4 million domestic tourists.

This year, West Sumatra is promoting 49 major tourist attractions, of which three have been included in the “Calendar of 100 Wonderful Events” managed by the Tourism Ministry.

The three main tourism events are Pasa Harau Art And Cultural Festival, Tour de Singkarak (TdS), and Minangkabau Cultural Festival.

FOREST FIRE SMOG PLAYS SPOILSPORT IN TOUR DE SIAK IN RIAU by Fardah

Sabtu, 21 Sep 2019 15:47

 

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Tour de Siak (TdSi) organizing committee apparently overlooked the weather factor while deciding to hold the event this September, the peak of the dry season that is dryer than usual due to El-Nino.

Since August 2019, Riau Province, where Siak District is located, has been hit by forest fires emanating smog that has blanketed cities and choked millions of people, especially infants and children.

In spite of the disaster, the organizing committee of TdSi decided to go ahead with the race held on September 19-22, 2019.

Some 54 cyclists, grouped in 11 domestic and foreign teams, are participating in the Seventh TdSi international cycling race 

The domestic teams comprise the BSP Siak Cycling Team, KFC Cycling Team, KGB Cycling Team, and Indonesia's National Team. The foreign participating teams constitute the Terengganu Inc Tsg Cycling Team of Malaysia, Global Cycling Team of the Netherlands, Velofit Team of Australia, Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan team of Iran, Nex Cycling Team of Singapore, Kinan Cycling Team of Japan, and Go For Gold Team of the Philippines.

Bianka Zarco, an official of the Global Cycling team from the Netherlands, after arriving in Siak on September 18, remarked that his team had visited Riau to win, though soon came to the realization that the smog would pose a challenge and was concerned over its health impact.

90 cyclists from 22 nations pursue glory in Tour d'Indonesia by Fardah

Jakarta , AUg 2, 2019 (ANTARA) - An enthralling adventure that started from Central Java’s Borobudur Temple and will conclude on Bali Island is set to test the mettle of 22 countries’ 90 cyclists participating in Tour d'Indonesia (TdI).
The UCI category 2.1 international cycling race of TdI 2019 was kicked off from the 9th-century Borobudur Temple, the world's largest and oldest Buddhist temple located in Magelang, Central Java Province, on Aug 19, with 18 domestic and foreign participating teams. The cyclists are expected to reach the finish line on Bali Island, one of the world's most famous tourist resort, on Aug 23.
The TdI 2019 comprises five stages, notably Candi Borobudur-Ngawi, stretching 178 kilometers (km); Madiun-Batu, 157.7 km; Batu-Jember, 195.9 km; Jember-Banyuwangi, 150km; and Gilimanuk-Batur UNESCO Global Geopark, 143.6km.
Of the 18 teams, the four Indonesian teams are Indonesia's National Team, PGN Road Cycling Team, Custom Cycling Indonesia (CCI), and KFC Cycling Team.
The foreign participants comprise those from France, Greece, Spain, and England, Parama Nugroho, chairman of the Bank BRI Tour d’Indonesia, remarked.
"We have made comprehensive preparations and are content that all regional heads, whose cities fall on the race's route, fully support the event," he emphasized.
Australian cyclist Angus Lyons emerged as the supreme winner of the first stage in a tightly contested race.

Transforming Lake Toba into world-class tourist destination by Fardah

The huge Lake Toba and Samosir Island, lying at its center, offer a well-rounded tourism package incorporating scenic beauty, inimitable Batak culture and traditions, and captivating history.
Located in North Sumatra Province, Lake Toba is undoubtedly not just any ordinary lake but is the largest volcanic lake on Earth.
The ancient lake has been formed by a steep-walled caldera produced during the Toba volcano's eruption, the largest known volcanic eruption on the planet in the past two million years. The powerful eruption, an extremely rare event, is called a supervolcanic eruption.
When viewed from space, the Toba caldera is one of the most striking volcanic craters on Earth, measuring 100 x 30 kilometers.
After Lake Toba’s designation as a priority tourist destination, the Indonesian government has been developing various facilities and infrastructure to support the tourism industry in North Sumatra Province, where the ancient lake is located.
Investment for the development of Lake Toba, totaling Rp3.5 trillion, has been sourced from the State Budget (APBN), the president noted in a press statement released by the Presidential Secretariat.
The government is upbeat about attracting private investments valued at thrice to five times bigger than the government's investment for Lake Toba.

TOUR DE SINGKARAK 2018 FACES GREATER CHALLENGES by Fardah

Jakarta, Nov 5,2018 (Antara) - Indonesia's most famous international cycling race and sport tourism event, Tour de Singkarak (TdS), is more challenging this year because of heavier rains and longer race track.

          Bad weather in the current rainy season has become a real challenge because downpours are expected to fall in several regions along the route of TdS, which is being held from Nov 4 to 11, 2018, in West Sumatra Province.

         The West Sumatra provincial capital of Padang, in fact, was flooded on Nov 2, 2018, killing two children, destroying two bridges, and submerging some 1.4 thousand homes in seven sub-districts.

       Deputy Governor of West Sumatra, Nasrul Abit, concurrently chairman of the TdS 2018 organizing committee, officiated the TdS 2018 in Kantin Square, Bukittinggi District, on the evening of Nov 3.

         The TdS' theme this year is "One Decade for All," in order to mark a decade of the organization of the cycling race classified by International Cycling Union (UCI) as 2.2 category race and listed in the UCI Asia Tour calendar of events.

         Besides having to brave heavy rains, participating cyclists have to ride longer because the TdS' race track this year is extended to 1,267 kilometers, from 1,250 kilometers in the previous year, although its stages are reduced from nine to eight stages.

         A total of 224 cyclists, grouped in 21 cycling teams from 26 countries, including four domestic teams and one local team, are participating in this year's TdS, with total prizes worth Rp2.3 billion to be won.  

CELEBRATING ONE DECADE OF TOUR DE SINGKARAK by Fardah

Jakarta, Oct 26, 2018 (Antara)- Indonesia's most famous annual cycling race, the Tour de Singkarak (TdS), to be held in West Sumatra Province from Nov 4-11, marks its 10th anniversary this year.

        Having the fifth largest audience in the world, TdS has enjoyed worldwide fame and attracted many top international cyclists to compete.

         TdS is classified by the Union Cycling International (UCI) as a 2.2 category race, and has enjoyed  recognition by the Amouri Sport Organization (ASO).

        On Oct 22, 2018, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya and Deputy Governor of West Sumatra Nasrul Abit officially launched a major promotion for the 2018 TdS in Jakarta, in the presence of mayors and district heads from West Sumatra's municipalities and districts.

        It was announced that this year's theme for TdS is "One Decade for All". Also, thepromotional launch was enlivened by various traditional dances from West Sumatra.

       The Tourism Ministry has included TdS, together with two other events from West Sumatra - the Sawahlunto International Music Festival (SIMFes) held Oct 19-21, and the Pagaruyung Festival to be organized Nov 29-Dec 2, in the National Tourism Calendar of Events 2018.

           Minister Yahya expressed his optimism that TdS remains effective in promoting West Sumatra's tourist destinations internationally.

         West Sumatra received 56,313 foreign tourists and 6.5 million domestic tourists in 2017.

         Twenty one cycling teams from 26 countries, including four domestic teams and one local team, will participate in the 2018 TdS, with total prizes worth Rp2.3 billion.  
    The foreign teams include Matrix Powertag of Japan, Trengganu Cycling Team of Malaysia,  Sapura Cycling of Malaysia, Nex- CCN of Laos/The Netherlands, LX Cycling Team of Korea, 7-Eleven Cliqq of the Philippines, Ningxia Sports Lottery Livall of China, Qinghai Tiayoude of China, Java Partizan of Russia, St. George Continental of Australia, Forca Amskins of Malaysia, Interpro Stradalli Cycling of Japan, McDonalds Dawnunder of  Australia, Thai Continental/Thai National Team of Thailand, PCS-CCN of Cambodia, and Bike Aid of Germany.

         The Indonesian teams include KFC Racing Team, Advan CCC, PGN Cycling Team and Brcc, while the local team is Padang Road Bike (PRB) sponsored by Bank Nagari.

        Inspired by the 200-year-old Tour de France, the TdS was first organized as part of the recovery program following a powerful earthquake that devastated West Sumatra in 2009, in a bid to boost the tourism industry through a sports-based promotional activity.  
  The world-class TdS event takes renowned international cyclists on an exciting tour across the picturesque West Sumatra countryside's scenic landscapes, comprising beaches, blue lakes, and numerous hairpin bends, as they climb up to the foot of the volcanoes.

          Its race track this year is extended to 1,267 kilometers (km), from 1,250 km in the previous year.

          The race track has been extended, but its stages have decreased, according to Ony Yulfian, head of the West Sumatra tourism office.

            This year, TdS is made up of eight stages, from nine in 2017, as the districts of Mentawai, Padang Pariaman, and West Pasaman will not participate in the event.

        The 2018 TdS route covers 16 districts and cities.

        The first stage of TdS is Bukittinggi-Sijunjung, stretching 140.5 km. The start from Bukittinggi will be on November 4, 2018. 
    The second stage, beginning Nov 5, will start in Sawahlunto and end in Dharmasraya, covering a total distance of 204.1 km.

        The third stage is Singkarak-Tanah Datar, stretching 150.4 km, on Nov 6, while the 144-km-long fourth stage covers Padang-Agam; the fifth stage is Limapuluh Kota-Pasaman, 170.5 km; sixth stage is Solok-Payakumbuh, 105 km, on Nov 9; and seventh stage is Padangpanjang-South Solok, 194.4 km, on Nov 10.

        The final stage is from South Pesisir to Pariaman, stretching 158 km, to be held on Sunday, November 11, 2018. 
   Solok, which will host the sixth stage of TdS, has been busy with preparations for TdS, by conducting road repairs and providing accommodation and modes of transportation.

        The preparations have reached some 85 percent completion, said Elvy Basri, head of the Solok tourism office.

        "To welcome TdS, we are repairing damaged roads and sidewalks, as well as other public facilities," she noted.

         Preparations have been made through cooperation among relevant ministries, including the public works, public housing ministry and transportation ministry, as well as hotel owners and travel agents.

        A day prior to the race, Solok will hold a city tour event for the participants of TdS. The city tour will take them through Laing Park, Pulai Belibis, Syekh Kukut Park, Solok rice fields, and Solok Water Park, among other areas.

         Traditional dances and culinary arts of Solok will also be showcased for TdS participants. ***1*** (f001/INE)

BIGGER DREAM FOR TOUR DE SIAK by Fardah

Jakarta, Sept 19, 2018 (Antara) - The Siak district administration is currently organizing the Sixth Tour de Siak on September 18-21, 2018, with more ambitious plans for the sport tourism event in the future.

          The ambition is supported by the fact that the 2.2 cycling race, featuring the Men Elite category, has been recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), which is the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events.

          Hence, the Riau provincial government has proposed the inclusion of Tour de Siak into the Wonderful Indonesia calendar of events.

          Riau had three tourism events -- Bakar Tongkang in Rokan Hilir District, Pacu Jalur in Kuantan Singingi, and Bono Surfing in Pelalawan -- that have so far been included in the national tourism calendar of events, according to Riau Governor Arsyadjuliandi Rachman.

          Another big plan for Tour de Siak is to extend its route up to Malacca, Malaysia.

          "Hopefully, next year, it would be materialized," the governor stated while expressing hope that in the long term, its route would also cover other regions in Riau.

          The Riau governor, accompanied by Siak District Head Syamsuar and Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Cyclist Association Beni Subaggia, officially kicked off the Tour de Siak, on the evening of Sept 17.

          Earlier on the same day, hundreds of people participated in a fun bike organized to highlight the implementation of Tour de Siak.

          "The fun bike is part of a series of activities to kick off Tour de Siak 2018. It is aimed at giving an opportunity to the public to participate," Wan Saiful Efendi, spokesman of the Siak district administration, remarked.

CENTRAL SULAWESI GEARS UP FOR SECOND TOUR DE CELEBES by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug 14, 2018 (Antara) - Central Sulawesi is gearing up for the Second Tour de Celebes (TdCC), an annual international cycling race and tourism promotion, following its success in organizing the first one last year.

         The Central Sulawesi government showcases nature sceneries, unique culture and traditions, and hospitality during the sports tourism event in which foreign and domestic cyclists participate.

         The three major events of the TdCC 2018, Wonderful Palu Nomoni Festival, and Wonderful Lipuku Festival, planned by Central Sulawesi from September until November this year, were officially launched by Tourism Minister Arif Yahya in Jakarta on July 17, 2018, in the presence of Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola and Palu Mayor Hidayat. 
    The third Wonderful Palu Nomoni Festival will be held by the Palu administration from September 28 to October 3, 2018, while the Tojo Unauna District will organize the second Wonderful Lipuku Festival on November 2-6, 2018.

         In fact, the Central Sulawesi provincial government has planned 32 sports tourism, cultural, and art events, comprising 26 local and national-scale as well as six regional and international-scale, in 2018.

         The Wonderful Palu Nomoni Festival and Wonderful Lipuku Festival are considered to be national-scale events.

         One of the six international events is the TdCC that will be organized on Oct 14-18 and at least five domestic cycling clubs and 16 foreign cycling clubs from 16 countries are expected to participate.  

CENTRAL CELEBES MARATHON PROMOTES CENTRAL SULAWESI'S TOURIST DESTINATIONS by Fardah

Jakarta, April 16, 2018 (Antara) - Central Sulawesi is blessed with beautiful nature comprising mountainous areas, lakes, beaches, and forests.

          The province's main tourist destinations include include Lake Poso; Lore Lindu National Park, which is filled with several megaliths, and has a wildlife-rich jungle; Togean National Park; the Salodik and Saluopa Waterfalls; the Morowali Nature Reserve where the Wana people of the jungle live; Talise Beach; and the white-sand Tanjung Karang Beach for divers and those fond of the beach.

        Standing in splendid isolation in Tomini Bay, Togean or Togian Islands are the prima donna of the province's tourism industry, as they are known for their scenic blue sea, white sandy beaches, pristine waters, impressive landscapes, amazing corals, abundant fish, and friendly people.  
    In fact, Togean is among the world's best diving spots to be found in Indonesia, apart from those in Raja Ampat, Komodo Isle in East Nusa Tenggara, Derawan in East Kalimantan, and Wakatobi, Gilir Air and Bunaken in North Sulawesi.

        Besides, the province has   Lake Tambing in Lore Lindu National Park (TNLL), which has been designated as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO since 1971.    
   Infrastructure such as roads to support the tourism industry has been constructed in 13 districts and municipalities in Central Sulawesi.

           Sectarian conflicts in Poso, Central Sulawesi, from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, had slowed down the tourism industry in Central Sulawesi Province.

           But now, peace has returned to the province, which was once known for its inter-faith harmony and tolerance before the conflicts were provoked.

TOUR DE LOMBOK MANDALIKA TO PROMOTE LOMBOK AS A SPORT TOURISM DESTINATION by Fardah

Jakarta, April 7, 2018 (Antara) - West Nusa Tenggara is currently gearing up for the 2018 Tour de Lombok Mandalika (TdLM) international cycling event to be held in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, from April 13 to 15.

         The TdLM, combining tourism and sport events, is expected to promote Lombok Island as an international-class sport tourism destination, after the island has been awarded as  the best halal tourism and honeymoon destination during the World Halal Travel Awards 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

          At least 18 cycling teams from 18 countries have confirmed their participation in the race. They will come from Malaysia, Japan, Australia, Kazakhstan, and China. Indonesia's national team will also take part in the event.

          "Today, we have launched the plan to organize TdLM 2018, and at the same time, we have announced the cycling race route," Lalu Mohammad Faozal, head of the NTB tourism office, stated during the launch in Lombok on April 1, 2018.    
    The TdLM, which has been classified by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as a 2.2 category race, is divided into three stages.

        The first stage is Kuta Mandalika-Mataram City, spanning 84.4 kilometers. It will start from Kuta Beach located in the Special Economic Zone (KEK) of Mandalika and finish in the NTB Governor Office in Mataram City.

        The participating cyclists will pass through Sasak traditional kampongs in Sade and Ende in Central Lombok, beaches, and rice fields.

          The third stage is a circuit in Mataram City, at a distance of 110 kilometers. The start and finish lines will be in Sangkareang Park. The route includes Ampenan beach and Ampenan old city.

         Faozal is optimistic that TdLM will serve as an effective promotion to attract foreign and domestic tourists.

          Winners of the TdLM 2018 will receive UCI points and prizes worth Rp350 million. 
    He noted that TdLM 2017 was a success, and therefore, the Okio team from Japan, who became the overall winner last year, will again participate this year.

TdI TOURISM AND CYCLING RACE KICKS OFF AFTER SEVEN-YEAR HIATUS by Fardah

 Jakarta, Jan 25, 2017 (Antara) - The Tour de Indonesia (TdI) cycling and tourism event has now been revived again, after a seven-year hiatus.

        The event is ready to involve the participation of 94 cyclists from 19 countries, with a firsthand glimpse of the host country's scenic natural scenery and cultural arts.       
    Themed "The Ultimate Race is Back," the 2018 TdI is a quadrennial international cycling and tourism event, which was last organized in 2011.

         The Indonesian Cycling Federation (PB ISSI) has revived the TdI again following the Union Cycliste Internationale's (UCI's) decision to upgrade its level from 2.2 to 2.1, making TdI the highest level cycling race in Indonesia.

         This year, the TdI started from Prambanan Temple area in Yogyakarta on Jan 25 and will finish in Bali on Jan 28, 2018.

          The participants are grouped in 15 teams, comprising 11 foreign teams and four local teams: KFC Cycling, PGN Road Cycling Team, ACC Cycling, and the Indonesian National Team.

          The foreign teams are Sapura Cycling, Terengganu Cycling, 7-Eleven Team, Thailand Continental Cycling Team, Aisan Cycling Team, Interpro Stradalli, St. George Continental Cycling Team, Java Partizan, the Malaysian National Team, the Eritrea National Team, and the national team of Mongolia.

          They comprise 19 U-23 cyclists, 29 cyclists from Indonesia, and the rest being Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)-registered cyclists.  
     The foreign participants include those from Malaysia, Japan, Eritrea, Australia, Thailand, and Mongolia.

TOUR DE INDONESIA TO HELP PROMOTE ASIAN GAMES 2018 by Fardah

 Jakarta, Dec 20, 2017 (Antara) - The Tour de Indonesia (TdI), themed "The Ultimate Race is Back," is a quadrennial international cycling and tourism event to be held early next year.  
  Since last being organized in 2011, the TdI has been revived again by the Indonesian Cycling Federation (PB ISSI) following the Union Cycliste Internationale's (UCI's) decision to upgrade its level from 2.2 to 2.1.

        The upcoming TdI will be organized on January 25-28, 2018, and its official launch was held in Jakarta on December 11, 2017.

       In addition to promoting Indonesia's tourism, the Borobudur-Bali TdI 2018 will help to promote the implementation of the Asian Games and Para Games 2018.          
    "We have lent support. We hope the two major sports events would have synergy with other sporting events," Raja Sapta Oktohari, the PB ISSI chairman, stated, recently.

        Logos and banners of the 18th Asian Games and Para Games will be put up at every venue of the TdI.

        This will be the second time that Indonesia will host the Asian Games, with the first one being held in Jakarta in 1962.

         Some 9,500 athletes; 2,500 personnel of the Asian Olympic Council; and 5,500 technical delegates from 45 countries will participate or be involved in the Asian Games, which will be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang in South Sumatra Province from Aug 18 to Sept 2, next year.

        At least 3,500 media representatives are expected to cover the games.

        Furthermore, Indonesia's national cycling team, being trained for the Asian Games 2018, will be tested during the TdI.

EAST NUSA TENGGARA GEARS UP FOR SECOND TOUR DE TIMOR by Fardah

Jakarta, Nov 25, 2017  (Antara) - The Indonesian government has organized international cycling events at national as well as regional levels, to enable the domestic and foreign participants to have a close encounter with the country's scenic beauty.

         Among the sport tourism events are Tour de Singkarak in West Sumatra, Tour de Central Celebes in Central Sulawesi; Tour de Lombok Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara; Tour de Flores and Tour de Timor in East Nusa Tenggara; Tour de Moluccas in Maluku; Tour de Indonesia, Tour de Cenderawasih Bay in West Papua, Tour de Ijen in Banyuwangi, East Java Province, and Tour de Barelang in Batam, the Riau Islands Province.

        East Nusa Tenggara is among the most ambitious one as it has two cycling and tourism events annually, namely Tour de Flores (TdF) on Flores Island and Tour de Timor (TdT) on western part of Timor Island. Both TdT and TdF follow the concept of Tour de Singkarak.

        Organized for the first time in 2009, the world-class Tour de Singkarak event takes renowned international cyclists on an exciting tour across the picturesque West Sumatra countryside's scenic landscapes, comprising of beaches, blue lakes, and numerous hairpin bends, as they climb up to the foot of the volcanoes.

        Since 2013, the Amauri Sport Organization (ASO) has recommended the TdS as a major cycling event in Asia, because it has managed to attract more than 1 million spectators.  
    After successfully organizing the first TdF last year, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) held the second TdF from July 14 to 19, 2017, by throwing more challenges, due to an increase in the number of regions covered during the tour. 
    While, the second TdT will be organized from Dec 9 to 12, 2017, according to Welly Rame Rohimone, an official of the East Nusa Tenggara tourism and creative economic office.  

W SUMATRA SET FOR NINTH TOUR DE SINGKARAK by Fardah

 Jakarta, Nov 16, 2017 (Antara) - West Sumatra Province is ready for the implementation of the Ninth Tour de Singkarak (TdS) cycling race, which will take place from Nov 18 to 26, 2017. 
    Some 230 cyclists, grouped in 20 domestic and foreign cycling teams from 30 countries, will participate in the sports tourism event.       
    Part of the Union Cycliste Internationale race series, the TdS will involve 18 of the total 19 districts and cities of the province.  
    The TdS, themed "The Biggest Sport Tourism" and part of a tourism promotion initiative, will be divided into nine stages, covering a total distance of 1,150 kilometers.

         The grand start will be from Tanah Datar District and the grand final in Bukittinggi.

             The  first stage is Istano Basa Pagaruyung-Padang covering 109.3 kilometers on Nov 18; the second stage, South Pesisir-Sawahlunto measuring 155.9 kilometers on Nov 19; the third stage, Sijunjung-Dharmasraya spanning 161.3 kilometers on Nov 20; the fourth stage, Solok-Payakumbuh District  reaching 106.4 kilometers on Nov 21; the fifth stage, Solok City-South Solok covering 153.2 kilometers on Nov 22; the sixth stage, Pariaman-West Pasaman measuring 145.7 kilometers on Nov 23; the seventh stage, Limapuluh Kota-Padang Panjang spanning 112 kilometers on Nov 24; the eighth stage, Padangpariaman-Agam reaching 135.2 kilometers on Nov 25; and the ninth stage, Pasaman-Bukittinggi covering 117.2 kilometers on Nov 26.

CENTRAL SULAWESI GEARS UP FOR TOUR DE CENTRAL CELEBES by Fardah

 Jakarta, Oct 26, 2017 (Antara) - Central Sulawesi is gearing up for the implementation of the international sports tourism event of Tour de Central Celebes (TdCC) to be held on November 6-8, 2017, in a bid to attract more foreign tourists.

         Central Sulawesi is striving to emulate West Sumatra, which has been successful in organizing the Tour de Singkarak cycling race.

         "This is the first time that we are organizing the TdCC. We have conducted a comparative study along with West Sumatra. We hope this event would be successful in attracting foreign tourists to visit Central Sulawesi," Zalzulmida Longki Djanggola, the wife of Central Sulawesi governor and initiator of the TdCC, noted in Palu on October 25, 2017.

         Tourism Minister Arief Yahya is scheduled to flag off the first TdCC, which will cover only three stages, though the next edition of the race will have six stages.

         The TdCC will start from Ampana Town and cover the Toko Una-Una District, Tentena, Poso District, Parigi Town, Parigi Moutong District, and finish in Palu, the capital city of Central Sulawesi.

         As many as 120 cyclists, grouped in 15 teams from 30 countries, will participate in the event that will cover the four districts of Tojo Unauna, Poso, Parigi Moutong (Parmout), and Sigi as well as Palu City.

         "After visiting several regions, the participants will have beautiful memories that they can share with others," Djanggola noted.

        The three stages of the TdCC will cover a total distance of 486.9 kilometers. The event route will run through various tourist destinations and sites, including marine tourism attractions.

TOUR DE BANYUWANGI OFFERS UNIQUE, MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES by Fardah

 Jakarta, Sept 30, 2017 (Antara) - The international cycling race of "Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen" (TdBI) 2017 has combined sports and tourism events to offer unique and unforgettable experiences to some 100 participants from 29 countries.

          The participating countries included Iran, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Eritrea, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Colombia, and New Zealand.

          Held on Sept 27-30, the international professional cyclists and tourists have enjoyed the special hospitality offered by the host, according to Banyuwangi District Head Abdullah Azwar Anas.

          "The TdBI has become the best cycling race event in Indonesia, so we will use it to promote Indonesia, in general, and Banuwangi, in particular," he noted.   
     During the race, cyclists passed through iconic locations in Banyuwangi, which has been known as the Sunrise of Java.

          The TdBI, first held in 2012, has become an annual agenda for the Union Cycliste Internationale.

          A total of 20 teams participated in the event ranked as "excellent" by the World Cycling Race Federation that has declared it as the best in Indonesia.

         The cycling teams include the PCS Cycling Team from the Netherlands, Pishgaman Continental Team from Iran, LX Cycling Team of South Korea, 7 eleven RBP of the Philippines, BRCC of Indonesia, Bikelife Dong Nai of Vietnam, and Sapura Pro Cycling Team of Malaysia.

        The 533-kilometer-long race was divided into four stages. The race route covered Watudodol Beach, Bangsring Underwater, cacao village in Glenmore, and Ijen Mountain, among others.

        Hundreds of local artists performed traditional dances to welcome the guests to mark the opening and start of the event in Banyuwangi City.

News Focus -TOUR DE MOLVCCAS TO BECOME MALUKU'S FLAGSHIP SPORTS TOURISM EVENT by Fardah

 Jakarta, Sept 18, 2017 (Antara) - The Maluku provincial government is organizing the first Tour de Molvccas (TdM), an international cycling race of 2.2 class and Men Elite category, on September 18-22, 2017, that combines sports and tourism to attract tourists.

        To be held annually, the TdM is expected to develop into a prestigious international sports tourism event, as Maluku, or Moluccas, has been known worldwide since ages as the "Spice Islands," "discovered" by the Europeans centuries ago.

        Blessed with rich natural resources, maritime tourism attractions, history, and unique culture, Maluku will be able to avail the benefits of holding the TdM that will develop into a flagship tourism event, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated while welcoming and flagging off the TdM participants on Sept 17 in Ambon, the provincial capital.

        The tourism industry is one of the priority sectors that is expected to earn significant foreign exchange for the country.

        The Joko Widodo administration has set a target of earning foreign exchange worth US$20 billion from tourism by 2019, double the 2017 target of US$10 billion.

         Maluku Governor Said Assagaff has appealed to every resident of Maluku to support the TdM, as the tourism event is expected to contribute significantly to the province's economy and consequently to the welfare of the Maluku people.

       The governor thanked professional cyclists from 20 countries for their participation in TdM.

      On the evening of Sept 17, the governor, Minister Pandjaitan, and all participants took part in a Cycling For All tour to briefly introduce Ambon City to the participating cyclists.

         TdM is supported and under the supervision of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Indonesian Cyclists' Association.

WEST SUMATRA'S DISTRICTS EAGER TO PARTICIPATE IN TdS 2017 by Fardah

Jakarta, Sept 16, 2017 (Antara) - Nearly every district and city in West Sumatra is keen to be involved in organizing the Tour de Singkarak (TdS) annual sporting event scheduled on Nov 18-26, as part of a tourism promotion initiative.

         Part of the Union Cycliste Internationale race series, the 9th edition of the TdS will involve 18 of the total 19 districts and cities of the province.

         Eager to be part of the international cycling race, the cities and districts are offering accommodation and transportation as well as showcasing their natural scenery, in addition to organizing traditional art performances to entertain foreign and domestic participants of the TdS.

         Nasrul Abit, the deputy governor of West Sumatra, has lauded the eagerness demonstrated by the cities and districts to be involved in the implementation of TdS.

         "This is a sports tourism event aimed at attracting tourists to visit this province. Hence, the race should cover every city and district here," he emphasized.

         "The schedule of the event has been agreed upon. Matters related to the technical implementation of the cycling event will be discussed further by the local tourism service," Abit revealed.

        He said the schedule and budget for the event faced no further problems.

         Covering a total distance of 1,150 kilometers (km), the TdS 2017 will be divided into nine stages, with prizes worth Rp2.3 billion up for grabs, according to Oni Yuflian, head of the West Sumatra tourism office.

        Yulfian said his office will still conduct a survey of the route on Oct 21-28 to ensure the safety of the TdS cyclists.
   The nine stages will include Tanah Datar-Padang Panjang City covering 107 km; Painan-Sawahlunto, 166 km; Muaro Sijunjung-Pulau Punjung, 100 km; Lake Singkarak-Payakumbuh, 135 km; Lembah Harau-Padang Panjang, 101 km.

         The cyclists will continue to the following stages of Solok City-Padang Aro Solok Selatan covering 140 km; Pariaman-West Pasaman, 157 km; Padang Pariaman-Agam, 101 km; and Pasaman-Bukittinggi Sirkuit, 90 km.

        The grand start will be from Batusangkar, Tanah Datar District, and the grand finish in Bukittinggi City, West Sumatra. The official launch will take place in Jakarta on October 15, 2017.

        As for the fifth stage, the location of the finish line will be in the Padang Panjang City, which has been waiting for years to be part of the race.

         After crossing the finish line, the participants of TdS will stay overnight in the city to enjoy the cool, fresh air, Dalius, secretary of the Padang Panjang tourism office, said recently
   Local hotels and restaurants are gearing up for the annual cycling race, he revealed.

        The fifth stage will start on November 22, 2017, from Lembah Harau, Limapuluh Kota District, which is 112 km from Padang Panjang.

         Speaker of the Padang Panjang Legislative Council Novi Hendri expressed hope that the event would have a positive impact on the local economy, in particular, and the welfare of the people, in general.

         Meanwhile, South Solok District will organize a long house festival called One Thousand Gadang House (SRG) to highlight the TdS 2017.

        "We will improve it every year, so that it matches up to the Banyuwangi carnival and Lake Toba festival," Muzni Zakaria, district head of South Solok, said in Padang Aro.

        The SRG festival will be held in the SRG area located in Nagara Koto Barum Sungai Pagu Sub-district, South Solok District.

        Various local arts and traditions and a fireworks display will be showcased during the festival to be held to coincide with the arrival of TdS participants in the district.

        Zakaria expressed hope that the festival would help to promote tourism in his district, in general, and the SRG area, which is an icon of the district, in particular.

         The world-class TdS event takes renowned international cyclists on an exciting tour across the picturesque West Sumatra countryside's scenic landscapes comprising beaches, blue lakes, and numerous hairpin bends, as they climb up to the foot of the volcanoes.

         Inspired by the 119-year-old Tour de France, the TdS was first organized as part of the recovery program following a powerful earthquake that had devastated West Sumatra in 2009 in a bid to boost the tourism industry through a sport-based promotional activity.  
   Indonesia has intensified its tourism promotion, as the country is expecting to attract some 12 million foreign tourists this year as compared to 9.7 million last year.

        Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya noted that Indonesia has organized several sport tourism events that have gone global, such as TdS, Tour de Banyuwangi, Tour de Ijen, Tour de Bintan, and Tour de Flores.

    ***1***
(f001/INE/a014)
EDITED BY INE

(T.F001/A/BESSR/A. Abdussalam) 16-09-2017

TOUR DE FLORES THROWS GREATER CHALLENGES THIS YEAR by Fardah

Jakarta, July 15, 2017 (Antara) - The second Tour de Flores (TdF) cycling race and tourism event being held on July 14-19 is expected to be more challenging, as the number of regions to be covered during the tour has increased.  
   The 2017 TdF covers a total distance of 808 kilometers (km), an increase from 661.5 km in 2016, due to the addition of the Aegela-Mbay route in Ngada District.     
   Some 20 cycling teams comprising more than 150 cyclists from 11 countries in Europe, America, Asia, and Australia are participating in the tour.

        Last year, 20 teams from 16 countries had taken part in the TdF that was held for the first time in May.

        East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Frans Lebu Raya flagged off the cyclists participating in the 2017 TdF race at the start line in front of the East Flores district head's office in Larantuka on July 14, 2017.

        The cyclists started in Larantuka and later headed to Maumere, Ende, Mbay, Borong, Ruteng, Aegela, and Mbay until finishing in Flores Island's westernmost town of Labuan Bajo.

        The first stage, covering a distance of 148 km, started from Larantuka in East Flores District and finished in Maumere in Sikka District, on Friday.

        The governor was optimistic that the cyclists would do their best to reach the finish line, as they love taking up new challenges.  
   "This year's cycling race is more challenging than that in the previous year due to the number of regions to be visited, longer distance, and the quite rough terrain," Governor Raya explained.

        He also reminded them to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Flores Island.

E NUSA TENGGARA GEARS UP FOR TOUR DE FLORES by Fardah

Jakarta, April 18 , 2017 (Antara)-  East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), known as a province of 1 thousand islands, is currently gearing up for an international cycling race and tourism event, Tour de Flores (TdF), on the island of Flores, to promote its tourism globally.

         The province offers a wide array of natural scenery, culture, ethnicity, handcrafts, ancient sites, and unique traditions that could be showcased to foreign tourists.

         The NTT administration has decided to hold TdF from July 14 to 19 instead of July 25 or in May as scheduled earlier.

         The change was made after some considerations, including from the Switzerland-based international cycling federation, Marius A. Jelamu, head of the NTT tourism and economic office, revealed in Kupang on April 17.      
   So far, 13 teams, comprising over 100 cyclists from the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia, have confirmed their participation in the TdF.  
   NTT Governor Frans Lebu Raya has expressed hope that the international cycling event would be beneficial to the public, particularly the residents of Flores Island. 
    "Preparations for TdF 2016 are short and not many people are ready. But this year, we hope the public are more ready so they could also enjoy financial benefits," he remarked.

          He urged the local community to demonstrate hospitality to TdF participants.

          "Friendliness and comfort are the main keys for everyone to make them return to NTT," Lebu Raya asserted.