A total of 100 fishermen boats were paraded in front of thousands of citizens and guests, including Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who attended the event on behalf of President Joko Widodo, as well as several other cabinet ministers.
Apart from the parade of boats, accompanied by paramotor and parastrike acts, the event was also brightened up by a colossal dance that showcased the exotic Nias culture, a skydiving act by 16 combined military personnel, and a flypast by three Hawk 100/200 Indonesian fighter planes.
As a part of the event, Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan symbolically signed the cover of the 2019 Sail Nias Commemoration.
The North Sumatra provincial government also inked a memorandum of understanding with administrators of the Nias Heritage Museum for revitalizing and expanding the museum as part of the cultural legacy.
The 2019 Sail Nias event involves four districts and a city in the island of Nias, specifically Gunungsitoli City and the districts of South Nias, West Nias, Nias, and North Nias.
Sail Nias 2019 is the 11th sailing event held by the Indonesian government since 2009. Despite being known worldwide as the number-two surfing spot after Hawaii, the event is expected to boost its popularity and tourist visits.
In addition to the main event on Sept 14, the series of Sail Nias activities began in May, with a yacht rally. There are also stone jump festivals across Nias Islands, a traditional fishing boat parade, coffee show, and beach volleyball contest. Related news: 15 countries to participate in Nias Pro International Surfing Sail
Related news: Sail Nias to help spur Nias tourism revitalization: Tourism Ministry
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Juraidi / Aria Cindyara
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
