Sail Komodo to Preserve RI's Tourism

Labuan Bajo (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said Sail Komodo 2013 would preserve Indonesia tourism by making East Nusa Tenggara province a world tourist destination.

"I hope the international marine event of Sail Komodo 2013 will accelerate the development in East Nusa Tenggara and preserve the tourism in Indonesia," the head of state said during the Sail Komodo peak event here on Saturday.

President Yudhoyono and his entourage arrived at Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai district on Friday and then  boarded naval boat KRI Baladau 643 for Komodo island, renowned for its large Komodo reptiles that have been named one of the seven wonders of the world.

"The visit is part of the Sail Komodo 2013 peak activities in East Nusa Tenggara," Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono, who was part of the president's entourage, said.

He added that there are a number of activities scheduled at the international sailing event at Labuan Bajo in the province's West Manggarai district.      
    
"The President spends a night at Labuan Bajo before taking part in Sail Komodo 2013 on Saturday," he said.

Planning for the event has been continuous since July 2013, with all provinces in the archipelago becoming destinations for the sailing participants and Kupang, the capital of the province, serving as the entry point.

Besides arts and cultural performances, there are also other activities that have been held to highlight the event, as it reaches its peak on Saturday. (*/DWA)