As an area that has vast waters, Papua has its charm. There are many potentials that you can find when visiting the island in the eastern part of Indonesia. One thing that can be expected is the optimal development of sports tourism. Therefore, KONI supports West Papua as a potential area in this field. Read the details as follows!
KONI’s support for Sport Tourism in Papua
The general chairman of the central KONI hopes that Papua will become one of the most potential locations for developing sports tourism. The development can be started from sports competitions first. After starting it, other actions have been continuously improved for a better Papua. This could have a significant impact on Papuan tourism.
KONI supports the development of sports tourism in Papua to make it more beneficial to the maximum. Therefore, many plans have been specifically designed. One of them is the existence of sports competitions to introduce Papua’s maritime wealth. It can be an effective way to introduce Papua in the regional and international regions through sports.
Furthermore, KONI also hopes that the organization will become an excellent example in developing Sport Tourism. In this case, the government need to contribute to gain the potential for a better future for West Papua. As a result, the board of directors must actively work together to foster sports achievements, athletes, and many more.
There are currently 39 sports under the auspices of KONI Papua that must be nurtured properly. KONI is sure that Papua can give birth to athletes who excel at the national level. Then, the athletes represented Indonesia in international competitions and made proud contributions. So, Papua can be good in terms of tourism and sports.
Sport Tourism Potential in Papua
Papua has become an essential topic of discussion by the Indonesian people. The island recently hosted the XX National Sports Week or PON. In other words, this PON event is a momentum for the Papua province to attract tourists to the maximum. It is because there are many things that you can choose as the best sports tourism location to spend time near the sea in West Papua.
1. Rowing
Rowing is a sport that is competed in XX PON. This sport takes advantage of the venue for a sports competition which is located in Youtefa Bay, Jayapura. In rowing, the boat usually accommodates more than two people and a team. Generally, a rowing boat will be larger than a regular kayak.
When you visit Raja Ampat, you can try rowing sports quickly. This is because some trips offer tourists maximum activity. You can choose to paddle destinations are Walo Island, Mayalibit Bay, Sina Island, and Kofiau Island. This is an exciting reference when visiting Papua as the leading destination.
2. Kayak
The next potential for sports tourism is Kayak. It should be noted that kayaking is one of the categories in the rowing sport contested by PON XX Papua. For information, kayaking will use small boats that are pointed at both ends. This boat is moved to use oars that the person on it swings. One person can only mount it at Kayak.
Besides being found in sports competitions, kayaking can also be an exciting activity to explore the beauty of a destination, such as Raja Ampat, West Papua. This destination provides a place to rent a kayak to explore the beautiful scenery with calm blue water. Tourists can enjoy an unforgettable atmosphere while in the Papuan waters.
3. Diving Activities
Diving is also a competition at PON XX Papua with two categories, namely pool diving and sea diving. Pool diving was held at the Lukas Enembe Aquatic Stadium, East Sentani District. Meanwhile, sea diving was held in Yos Sudarso Bay, Jayapura. In the world of tourism, diving is better known as diving. This sport is also divided into several categories: scuba diving and freediving.
Some people still don’t know that scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. For this reason, scuba diving activities require underwater breathing devices with a depth of up to 40 meters in the sea. Unlike Scuba, freediving is a diving activity without using a breathing apparatus.
You can choose both types of diving activities while in Raja Ampat, West Papua. Some of the recommended diving spots for maritime lovers are Blue Magic, Tanjung Kri, Mios Kun Island, Cross Wreck, and Magic Mountain. Keep in mind that tourists who want to try diving sports are required to have a diving license or certificate for diving to support personal safety.
Overall, KONI supports the development of sports tourism in Papua. Therefore, a number of efforts were made to grow the potential of these developments. It will also introduce various kinds of sports tourism such as diving, kayaking, and rowing. Not only that but this is expected to have a tremendous effect on Papuan tourism.
