Members of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X recently went to Aceh to oversee the preparation of Sail Sabang 2017 that will be held from November to December.

“We hope the government and related parties are ready for Sail Sabang because the event isn’t only for the people of Sabang and its surrounding but will also attract foreign tourists,” said the head of DPR Commission X, Teuku Riefky Harsya.

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Prior to Sabang, the DPR Comission X group consisting of 18 members went to gampong (village) Dayah Daboh in Montasik district to witness the making of Acehenese souvenirs.

A total of 85 yachts are taking part in the race. Fifty-six of them have departed from Tual in Maluku on July 28 and the other 29 departed from Darwin in Australia on July 29.

In Darwin, Tourism Ministry’s Marine Tourism Department advisor, Dr. Marsetio, officiated the departure. While in Tual, head of the ministry’s Maritime Tourist Industry Development Acceleration Taskforce, Indroyono Soesilo, officially inaugurated the event.

The two groups will meet at the Sail Sabang 2017 in Aceh on Nov. 28. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is set to attend the finale that will take place on Dec. 2.

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“I predict there’ll be thousands of foreign and local tourists that will come to Sail Indonesia in Sabang. We really need to be well prepared to welcome them,” added Teuku.

Last year, Aceh province was announced as one of the winners at the National Halal Tourism Competition (KPHN). The province also won in two categories at the World Halal Tourism Award (WHTA) 2017, namely world’s best halal cultural destination and world’s best airport for halal travelers for Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport. (kes)