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Banyuwangi opens prestigious surfing championship at G-Land
The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour at Plengkung Beach (G-Land), Banyuwangi, will be held from May 28-June 4.
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he World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour at Plengkung Beach (G-Land), Banyuwangi, will be held from May 28-June 4. The most prestigious surfing event was officially opened today by the Minister of Youth and Sports Affair, Zainudin Amali.
“Thank you, Banyuwangi, for your deternination in holding this international event. Truly, we couldn’t be more proud,” said Amali accompanied by Banyuwangi regent Ipuk Fiestiandani.
The world’s best surfers have been arriving since days prior at the site. Among them are champions from the United States, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Costa Rica, South Africa, France, Hawaii and more.
Minister Amali said that Banyuwangi has had extensive experience in holding international championships, such as the Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen, Banyuwangi International BMX, International Kite Surfing and other international sporting events. In fact, several received recommendations from international organizations, including Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen that gained an “excellent” score from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
Indonesia is currently encouraging more events to promote sport tourism. “President Jokowi’s directive is to support sport tourism. That’s why we continue to encourage more sporting events to be held in Indonesia, like the WSL in Banyuwangi.” Added Amali.
He also assured that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affair will continuously support Banyuwangi in holding more surfing events especially since surfing is now included in the Olympics. “Next year’s WSL will also be in Banyuwangi.”
Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani, thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs and other stakeholders for facilitating the event. “Thank you for the extraordinary support for Banyuwangi in holding this WSL. Thank you [Minister Amali] for the assistance,”
Ipuk said WSL might be the momentum for economic recovery and improvement. “That’s what drove us to focus on holding various sporting events because of their positive impact on the economy,” she explained.
The opening of WSL was signalled by a performance of the gandrung and barong traditional dances, telling the story of the Alas Purwo National Park, where Plengkung Beach is located. The segment received a warm welcome from the WSL participants. The atmosphere grew livelier when they were given the udeng (traditional headband), a signature of Banyuwangi.
