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International Musi Triboatton 2017 returns to South Sumatra
The sports event featured rafting and renang serapungan competitions. The latter is a traditional method of tying together bamboo stems with rattan that the locals used to utilize to cross the Musi River.
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Traditional boats festival in Musi River, Palembang, in a photo dated 17 August 2016. (Shutterstock.com/Sony Herdiana)
The 7th International Musi Triboatton (IMT) was held on Nov. 8 in Terusan Beach, Empat Lawang, South Sumatra.
The sports event featured rafting and renang serapungan competitions. The latter is a traditional method of tying together bamboo stems with rattan that the locals used to utilize to cross the Musi River.
Up to 10 teams from Indonesia and overseas took part in the first stage of the competition, which kicked off at Terusan Beach and passed through the Yellow Bridge before arriving at the finish line in Pulomas, covering a total travel of 12 kilometers.
The rafting team from West Sumatra won the first stage of the first rally with 41 minutes and 17 seconds, taking home Rp 7 million (US$517). The second and third spots were given to rafting teams from West Java and South Sumatra - I (PPHRI), respectively.
The event’s committee prepared a total prize of Rp 20 million for the winners.
“The [Musi] River is very long and wide. It’s a challenge for us to steady the boat and avoid it from getting capsized,” said rafting participant from Malaysia, Rizwan.
Additionally, the event also featured supporting shows such as traditional dance performances.
Tourism Ministry’s archipelago marketing communication development deputy assistant, Putu Ngurah, said the Musi River can become a leading destination for water sport activities, especially since rafting spots have been mushrooming in several places in Indonesia, such as Citarik River in Sukabumi and Waja River in Karangasem, Bali.
“A professional management is needed to improve the selling point of Musi River. Rafting operators can sell tour packages of exploring the river for a few kilometers,” proposed Putu. (kes)
