Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The West Sumbawa Regency Government in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province recently introduced surfing as an official extracurricular activity in schools. Acting Regent Julmansyah said the initiative aims to promote the development of surfing as a sport in the region.
“This program is designed to support the growth of surfing in West Sumbawa,” Julmansyah said, as reported by Antara on Friday, December 13, 2024. Jelenga Beach, in West sumbawa with ideal waves all year round, was chosen as the main location for this activity.
The initiative was a collaboration between the Education and Culture Office, the Tourism and Sports Office, and PT Amman Mineral. The program was officially launched through a Regent’s Decree regarding the Determination of Elementary Education Units Implementing Extracurricular Surfing Activities in West Sumbawa Regency.
Julmansyah outlined two key goals for the program: developing future surfing athletes to compete nationally and internationally, and building a community-based tourism industry.
“Surfing will act as the entry point for establishing sustainable tourism industries,” Julmansyah said, noting that the program aims to diversify the region’s economy in anticipation of the end of the Batu Hijau mining project in 2030.
Therefore, the government not only produces national and international surfing athletes, but also supports community-based tourism and post-mining economic sustainability, opening up new opportunities for the community in the region.
“West Sumbawa is blessed with world-class waves and exceptional surfing spots, which should serve as a starting point for sustainable, community-based tourism development,” Julmansyah added.
The initiative also serves as preparation for the 2028 National Sports Week (PON), where West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) will co-host the national multi-sport event.
Community Empowerment Program
Dimas Purnama, a representative from PT Amman Mineral’s Social Impact Department, said the surfing program is part of the company’s Community Empowerment Program (PPM), under its sport for development and blue program initiatives.
This program is a continuation of “Surfing Masuk Sekolah”, a book launched by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara on November 23, 2024. This book aims to introduce surfing activities in the world of education through a guide for surfing extracurricular activity in schools.
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This book will later become a guide for students and teachers in carrying out surfing extracurricular activities in schools while also promoting healthy recreation through water sports and supporting the preservation of marine ecosystems in the Sumbawa region
“Surfing highlights the natural wealth of West Sumbawa’s coastline, and this collaboration must be nurtured moving forward,” Dimas said.
With the introduction of surfing as an official school extracurricular activity, West Sumbawa is not only nurturing future athletes but also laying the foundation for sustainable tourism and economic development, ensuring a bright future for the region.
(Raidi/Agung)
