KUPANG ~

The Rote Ndao district government in East Nusa Tenggara has confirmed the participation of surfers from 18 countries in an international surfing event at Nembara beach in Rote Island in November, this year.

Melkias Rumlaklak, the chief of the Rote Ndao Tourism Office, stated on Thursday that at least 100 surfers from 18 countries will take part in the international surfing event.

“Surfers and tourists from 18 countries in Asia, Europe, and America will come to Rote Island for the international surfing event in November, and this is an opportunity for us to introduce Indonesian tourism,” Melkias noted.

He explained that during a recent meeting with the Bo’a-Nembrala Development Committee, it was decided that the surfing event will take place on the second or third week in November this year.

Therefore, Melkias stated that he had coordinated with the East Nusa Tenggara Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency to ensure favorable weather and perfect waves for the international surfing event in Rote Island.

“We are going to hold another meeting in August to prepare for this international event, and therefore, we have handed over the task to the Bo’a-Nembrala Development Committee to make the best possible preparations,” he noted.

In the meantime, East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Tourism Office Chief Marius Ardu Jelamu expressed his complete support to the international surfing event at Nembara beach in Rote Island.

“We must be ready from now on to conduct repair and restoration work in the city and other tourist spots in order to attract the tourists and surfers who will come to participate in the international event,” Marius remarked.

He pointed out that East Nusa Tenggara has several tourist attractions such as beautiful beaches, tourism villages, and the culture that must be managed and developed optimally to attract more tourists.

“After participating in the international surfing event, the surfers and tourists will not return directly to their countries of origin. They will certainly stay on for several days to visit the other tourist attractions,” Marius pointed out.

Therefore, he expressed hope that the Rote Ndao district government and the local community could begin repair and restoration work in the city and other tourist destinations in a bid to welcome the international surfers.