I want Sail Karimata Strait to become a trending topic too."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli has proposed to hold various competitions as part of the implementation of Sail Karimata Strait 2016 scheduled in October this year.

"We want to hold several competitions. It would not be interesting if merely the event was held. With varied competitions, the public will be happy as they will be able to support their champions. The response will be louder," he affirmed here, recently.

Ramli suggested organizing a yacht race, a dragon boat race, a traditional boat race, and durian as well as "sambal" (chili condiment) contests, among other events.

The minister even proposed to hold a boxing championship as West Kalimantan had several good boxers.

Ramli also called to organize an Asian textile design contest during the sail.

Competitions will also help to promote the annual international maritime event globally, he added.

He cited Tour de Flores as an example of a successful competition as the cycling race had become a trending topic on social media for five days.

"I want Sail Karimata Strait to become a trending topic too," he added.

Sail Karimata Strait 2016 will be held on October 15, 2016, in four provinces: West Kalimantan, Jambi, Bangka Belitung, and Riau Islands.

Minister Ramli is chairman of the Sail Karimata Strait steering committee and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti is the chairperson of the organizing committee.

In the meantime, North Kayong has deployed three speed boats to transport guests from Pontianak to Sukadana, which will take some three hours, during the Sail peak event, North Kayong District Head Hildi Hamid stated.

People not opting to use water transportation could also take a flight from Supadio Airport in Pontianak to Ketapang and then undertake a 1.5-hour road trip to Sukadana.

As thousands of guests are expected to attend the event, accommodations are being provided not only in North Kayong District but also in Ketapang District.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is scheduled to officially open the Sail Karimata Strait 2016 and will most likely stay overnight in Sukadana.

Some 70 yachts will participate in the sail, in addition to warships and traditional boats.
(Uu.F001/INE/KR-BSR)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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