BATAM (HK) —This October 2024, the international cycling event Tour de Batam is being held again, bringing in bikers from around the world. This prestigious event is also open to the public.
Organized by the Indonesia Cycling Federation (ICF) or Pengurus Besar Ikatan Sport Sepeda Indonesia (PB-ISSI), in collaboration with Cycosport, PabloFiness, and Rajawali Sport, the event will take place over three consecutive days in Nongsa, Batam, from October 4 to 6, 2024.
Jadi Rajagukguk, the Acting Chairman of PB-ISSI, representing the Central PB-ISSI Chairman, General Sulistyo Sigit, stated that it is estimated that more than 1,000 participants will attend the Tour de Batam, including international tourists who will come to Batam City.
“Based on past experiences, those who attend include participants, their families, and supporters. Therefore, it is estimated that the number could reach up to a thousand tourists,” said Jadi Rajagukguk on Thursday (30/5/2024), during a press conference at Batam View Resort, Nongsa, Batam.
He stated that the initiation of Tour de Batam is a collective responsibility of PB ISSI management based in Batam City, in collaboration with tourism area managers, to be creative and innovative in continually attracting tourists to Batam City. This supports the government’s program to enhance tourism in Batam and the Riau Islands (Kepri).
“This is one of our goals and programs (PB ISSI), to support the government’s program and increase tourism in Batam and Kepri. Therefore, we seek support from all parties to ensure that this international cycling event, Tour de Batam, runs smoothly and successfully, thus enhancing the good name and tourist visits to Batam and Kepri,” added Jadi, who is also the Chairman of the Batam Chamber of Commerce.
According to him, Tour de Batam is a joint effort to increase tourist visits to Batam. This visit will positively impact the increase in local revenue (PAD), stimulate the economy, and improve the welfare of the community post-Covid-19 pandemic.
“In other words, this event is important for the revival of tourism after the pandemic over the past few years. Tour de Batam is also the only event that qualifies for the UCI world championship in Southeast Asia and will place Batam on the map of global sports tourism.
He added that 20 percent of Tour de Batam participants, according to their age category, will have the opportunity to participate in the world event in the middle time trial and Gran Fondo categories.
Thus, this event will elevate Batam’s name in the international cycling sports arena. “I hope for full support from various agencies in the Batam City Government, Batam Business Authority (BP), police, tourism industry stakeholders, Nongsa tourism area managers, and also support from the community to make this event successful,” he said.
He mentioned that to ensure the smooth running of the event, today’s coordination meeting is to ensure preparations from all related parties to support this activity, including the police, BP Batam, CIQP (Customs, Immigration, Port Authority), and relevant local government offices, sub-districts, ISSI Kepri, port managers, ferry operators, and tourism stakeholders in the Nongsa area.
“This Tour de Batam event is believed to have various effects on the tourism sector, and it can increase occupancy rates at resorts and hotels in Batam City,” said Jadi.
It is known that the press conference was also attended by the Riau Islands Police Chief, represented by Dir Samapta Polda Kepri, Kombes Pol Joko Adi, Batam View Resort Manager Andy Pong, Nongsa Resort Group Director Gerald Andrew Hendrick, representatives from Barelang Police, sub-district police, Batam Tourism Office, Batam Youth and Sports Office, ferry operators, and BCC Nongsa area stakeholders.
Additionally, Mr. Pablo from France, as the event organizer in each country who will bring and attract riders to compete in Batam City, World Referee, PB ISSI Central Management, and local and national TV media journalists attended, both in person and via video conference.
Dir Samapta Polda Kepri, Kombes Pol Joko Adi, stated that the preparations made by Polda Kepri for the Tour de Batam event focus on the participants’ comfort. This includes ensuring their safety and security on the road during the event, from start to finish.
“Regarding the current road conditions, we hope the local government takes steps for repairs and completion before the Tour de Batam is held, especially on the routes that will be used,” said Kombes Joko.
He also urged fellow road users to understand the situation when Tour de Batam participants pass through the roads used for the event.
“This is our event for the residents of Batam City, to enhance tourism by bringing in international tourists and boosting the economy in the MSME sector. Therefore, let’s support it together, especially in ensuring the safety and smoothness of this international and national cycling event,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Batam View Resort Manager in Nongsa, Andy Pong, revealed that regarding the activities and visits of international tourists who will take part in Tour de Batam, his party has prepared everything. This includes room availability, bicycle placement areas, and food needed by the riders.
“We will prepare 400 units of rooms, bicycle spaces, and repair workshops. We will also provide different food menus needed by the riders, as they require more energy. Therefore, we will prepare protein-rich food menus,” said Andy Pong.
For your information, the Tour de Batam categories include Individual Time Trial with a distance of 15 kilometers, Gran Fondo Century with a distance of 104 kilometers, Gran Fondo Discovery with a distance of 52 kilometers, Gran Fondo Classic with a distance of 149 kilometers for men and 129 kilometers for women, and Gran Fondo Century with a distance of 82 kilometers. (Nov)
