Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo recently emphasized the importance of establishing a dedicated surfing center in Indonesia to nurture the country’s surfing talent, especially in light of surfing’s inclusion in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, scheduled for July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Speaking at the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Krui Pro at Tanjung Setia Beach in Lampung’s West Pesisir District, Ariotedjo highlighted the fragmented nature of current surfing events in Indonesia. Competitions are held in various regions like Lampung, Bali, Aceh, and East Nusa Tenggara without cohesion.
The minister proposed integrating these events into a unified national circuit to boost the sport’s development and support young surfers. As part of this effort, the WSL Krui Pro will be included as a national event in 2025, acknowledging its significant impact on local tourism and the economy.
Ariotedjo noted that many Indonesian surfers, including youths, have shown great potential and competed internationally. By centralizing and enhancing support for surfing events, Indonesia aims to foster a generation of world-class athletes while elevating the sport’s profile both nationally and globally.
This initiative mirrors successful strategies employed by other countries, such as Sri Lanka, where focused investments in surfing infrastructure and national competitions have significantly boosted both the sport’s popularity and economic benefits derived from increased tourism. This success story should inspire and instill hope in the hearts of all sports enthusiasts in Indonesia.
