It boasts 500 kilometers of coastline, 70,000 hectares of tropical rainforest, is home to one of the most biodiverse marine habitats in the world as well as the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, and it’s all within driving distance of Jakarta.

The neighboring province of Banten this year has been chosen to host fifth annual International Festival for Youth and Marine Sports (Fipob) to be held from Nov. 2 through Nov. 11.

“The province of Banten has been chosen to host this year’s Fipob because of its marine potential,” Sports and Youth Minister Andi Mallarangeng said.

“With its vast seas and coastal areas, the province will be an ideal location for water sports.”

The festival, which is aimed at introducing Indonesia’s marine riches to the world and fostering friendship among participating nations, is set to host delegations from 55 countries and 33 provinces in Indonesia.

“We’re confident that the festival will be an interesting and joyful experience for all the participants,” said Ratu Atut Chosiyah, Banten’s governor.

“While partaking in fun activities, participants can also enjoy Banten’s natural beauty and fascinating sights, as well as interact with its warm and friendly people.”

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will open the festivities at the Sol Elite Marbella resort in Anyer, Banten on Nov. 2.

The nine-day festival features competitions and environmental educational events held at various locations in the province: including Anyer, Pulorida, Carita, Selat Sunda, Pulau Umang and the Ciberang River.

Events will include competitive windsurfing, surfing and river kayaking to name a few.

“We expect approximately 1,500 people from Indonesia and all over the world to come to Banten for this event,” said Iin Mansyur, head of Banten’s youth and sports office.

“We hope this event will serve to boost the tourism industry and economic growth in Banten.”

Along with competition, delegations from schools in Jakarta and Banten, as well as from foreign embassies, will partake in educational seminars at the island resort of Pulau Umang from Nov. 5 through Nov. 7.

“At Pulau Umang, we’ll try to educate these young people to be more concerned of their natural environment,” said Christian PB Halim, chairman of the Fipob organizing committee.

Seminar highlights will include an underwater photography clinic run by a famous Indonesian photographer Darwis Triadi followed by an underwater photography competition where participants will put to use what they learned at the clinic.

“Darwis will act as a judge for the competition to see what his seminar students learned,” Christian said, adding that the winning images will be displayed at the resort.

“By seeing the beauty of underwater life in their own pictures, hopefully the participants will always remember to conserve their valuable natural surroundings,” Christian said.

During the event, Pulau Umang resort will also collaborate with the Ujung Kulon Conservation Society to organize the planting of mangroves and corals around the island.

“These kids will grow up to become world leaders someday,” Christian said.

“If we teach them to love their natural resources and surroundings at a young age, they’ll grow up to become better world leaders, concerned about the conservation of nature.”

In addition to the photography competition and conservation events, participants will also be invited to partake in a 2,000-meter fun swim competition around Pulau Umang and a 1,000-meter windsurfing race between Pulau Umang and neighboring island Pulau Oar. Between contests, participants will also enjoy traditional Banten cultural performances.

“Through these activities, we hope these young people will get to know each other and become good friends,” Christian said.

“This is in line with our goal of fostering friendship among nations.”

The governor of Banten will preside over an official ceremony on Nov. 6, in which a Banten for the World monument will be unveiled at Pulau Umang.

The six-meter-tall monument is shaped like the minaret on Mesjid Agung Banten, a famous mosque in Banten, and feature all the flags of countries participating in the event.

“The monument will serve as a reminder for both the tourists and local community in Umang to conserve the beautiful natural environment of the island,” Christian said.

News Source: The Jakarta Globe

Photo Source: Kompasiana

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