Thekabarnews.com—Pontianak City, West Kalimantan, is adding more tourism products with the launching of jetski activities along the Kapuas River. This marks a new chapter in the development of the iconic waterway into a vibrant recreation destination.

Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono appreciated the initiative that local youth and business actors led. He said it was a positive step in reviving the river that has long been a symbol of the city.

“It’s a good thing. Our young people are innovating and creating activities that can revive the Kapuas River,” Edi Kamtono said after trying the jetski during the grand opening of Panorama Jetski Pontianak, Saturday, April 25.

The new facility also offers jetski rental services, providing residents and tourists alike a new way to explore the river. Officials hope the activity will diversify tourism options beyond the traditional river transportation and bring more visitors to the area.

“Water sports are not entirely new in Pontianak,” Edi said.

Water skiing, usually by speedboat, was already familiar to residents in the 1970s and 1980s. But he said the river is in completely unique conditions now, especially with increased water traffic.

“As river traffic gets busier, safety must be the top priority in all activities,” the mayor said.

The mayor has called for the cooperation of communities, businesses, and government to develop sustainable and well-regulated river-based activities. These activities should occur in the areas of recreation, competition, and education.

He also stressed the importance of creating a sense of ownership among the younger generations for the Kapuas River. This is necessary to maintain its preservation while maximizing its economic potential.

“With proper management, we can transform the Kapuas River from a transportation artery to a world-class tourist destination,” Edi Kamtono added.

Meanwhile, Panorama Jetski Pontianak CEO Fakhrul Rozi Berutu stated that the move aims to support tourism growth in West Kalimantan. They do this by providing new attractions.

“It’s an important landmark for us. We see tremendous potential in the Kapuas River, and we want to give something unique that adds value to the local tourism,” Fakhrul said.

“The facility is not just for recreation but to train local talents in water sports,” he added. The company wants to develop future jetski athletes from Pontianak who can compete in national and international events.

“We want to create a platform for athletes to grow and succeed,” he said, adding that support from various stakeholders will be crucial to achieve that goal.

The jet ski service is open to the public and has full facilities for beginners and enthusiasts. Organizers expect the attraction to be a new tourism magnet. They hope it will encourage more people to experience the Kapuas River in a dynamic way.

Such initiatives can energize the local economy through increased tourist arrivals, support small businesses, and create new jobs. Industry observers believe in this potential.

Pontianak’s ongoing exploration of new tourism concepts means that the jetski activities on the Kapuas River will require good management. Therefore, safety standards must be in place. Ongoing collaboration between the various stakeholders must occur for them to be successful.

The natural beauty and cultural value of the Kapuas River have the potential to become one of the leading water tourism destinations in Indonesia.

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