BANYUWANGI – Banyuwangi Regency is once again trusted to host the national sports tourism event.
This time, Banyuwangi is the location for the national cycling event, Tour of Kemala 2023, which is being held thanks to the collaboration of Kemala Bhayangkari and the Executive Board (PB) of the Indonesian Cycling Sports Association (ISSI).
This competition chooses Boom Banyuwangi Beach to be the starting and finishing point during the event on 7 and 8 October 2023.
The Tour of Kemala 2023 was officially opened by the General Chairperson of Bhayangkari Juliati Sigit Prabowo, accompanied by the Regent of Banyuwangi Ipuk Fiestiandani, Deputy Chairperson of Bhayangkari Evi Agus Andrianto, Chairperson of the Bhayangkari Foundation Management Diana Ahmad Dofiri, and Secretary General of PB ISSI Parama Nugroho.
This event was attended by more than 1,400 participants from within and outside the country, including national and international athletes; does not include crew and companions.
In total, 4,000 people from outside Banyuwangi have invaded the district at the eastern tip of Java in the last few days.
Bhayangkari General Chair Juliati Sigit Prabowo appreciated the execution of the 2023 Tour of Kemala in Banyuwangi, which is one of the leading tourist destinations in Indonesia.
He hopes that this event can become a means of promoting tourism and cycling sports in the country.
“The Tour of Kemala 2023 is a form of concern for the development of cycling sports in Indonesia. We thank the Banyuwangi Regency Government for fully supporting this event and providing a very beautiful and challenging location for the participants,” said Juliati.
“We also congratulate the participants who are enthusiastic about taking part in the 2023 Tour of Kemala. We hope that this event will run smoothly, safely, and successfully,” he added.
He added that the Tour of Kemala is projected to become an annual activity agenda to be carried out in various regions of Indonesia with the support of PB ISSI.
This event also aims to increase love for cycling and find superior national cycling athletes through the race category.
For Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani, this event is a blessing because it brings thousands of people to Banyuwangi.
“With this event, thousands of people came to Banyuwangi. The impact was that accommodation was full, not only hotels, but homestays owned by residents were fully booked. Likewise with restaurants, culinary delights and community stalls,” said Ipuk.
“Thank you for choosing Banyuwangi as the host for the Tour of Kemala. Welcome to Banyuwangi, and have fun competing to be the best. After competing, please enjoy the various destinations and culinary delights in Banyuwangi,” added Ipuk.
On the first day, a 128 kilometer Bicycle Race was held for national/international professional participants. There were 417 participants taking part in this number, including 13 participants from China, Thailand, France, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The start begins at Boom Marina Beach, then participants pedal their bicycles through downhill roads and several inclines, with a very challenging route.
The Tour of Kemala 2023 is divided into two categories, namely the race category with a distance of 128 kilometers and the fun bike category with a distance of 55 kilometers.
Participants will pass several tourist locations and iconic places in Banyuwangi such as Sritanjung Park, Simpang Lima, Osing Kemiren Traditional Tourism Village, and Blimbingsari Airport.
