19 Swimmers Launch ‘Xtreme Impact’ for Demak’s Coast
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Nineteen amateur swimmers will cross the Madura Strait on 1 November 2026 as part of the “Xtreme Impact” initiative, raising donations for women fishers and residents of Timbulsloko village, Demak, Central Java, who have been affected by coastal erosion and tidal flooding.
“We are not swimming to break personal records. We are swimming to change lives. Crossing the Madura Strait is merely the medium; the real goal is to build a bridge of hope for our brothers and sisters who are losing their land in Timbulsloko,” Xtreme Impact initiator Arto Biantoro said in a written statement on Wednesday.
The swim, from Madura to the Indonesian Navy’s Koarmada II base in Surabaya, is being organised by BenihBaik.com and Bandar Djakarta Group. They aim to raise Rp1 billion from the public. Donations can be made through BenihBaik.com’s official platform under the “Xtreme Impact: Help Demak’s Coastal Women” campaign, or at xtremeimpact.org.
The funds will be distributed transparently and accountably to build adaptive infrastructure, including roads and floating bridges, clean-water facilities, and “Omah Iwak”, a seafood-processing centre.
The processing facility is designed to help women fishers in Timbulsloko achieve economic independence and become more resilient to climate crises.
“When we heard our colleagues at Xtreme Impact explain their series of activities to help women fishers in Demak Regency, we saw this as more than a charitable event. It is something that clearly deserves our support, and Jakarta is supporting it,” said Bandar Djakarta representative Wendy Santoso.
Masnu’ah, head of the Puspita Bahari Demak Women Fishers’ Association, said the effects of the climate crisis had submerged their living space, while demonstrating how residents there continue to endure through solidarity.
“The land used to be covered by vast rice fields, gardens and farms, with many coconut trees and rice. But now it is different,” Masnu’ah said. “For us, the sea is a mother. Our struggle may not bear fruit today, but 10 to 20 years from now we will still be able to pass the sea on to our children and grandchildren.”
Xtreme Impact 2026, also supported by the Kanisius College Alumni Association (CC92) as part of the college’s centenary celebrations, will include a medical initiative: free cataract surgery for up to 150 underprivileged patients at the Indonesian Navy’s Koarmada II facility in Surabaya.
“For the 100th anniversary of Kanisius College, we do not want to celebrate only by having fun; we also want to make an impact,” said James W Prakarsa, head of the Jakarta Kanisius College Alumni Association (PAKKJ).
“The social initiative is expected not only to reduce the prevalence of cataract-related blindness in East Java, but also to give the community a new experience and bring it closer to the Indonesian Navy,” said Bayu Aji, a representative of Erha Clinic.
“Regarding the swimming event, we will also provide support and prepare standard operating procedures to ensure it runs smoothly, including for the health service aboard KRI SHS 990,” Ibnu said.
From the swimmers’ medical perspective, Abdi Waluyo Hospital Business Development Director Dr Johnny Nurman, SpA, confirmed that all the amateur swimmers had undergone rigorous medical screening, covering cardiovascular and lung function as well as physical endurance.
Mira Hoeng of Miwa Pattern has also prepared designs for special jackets and swimwear under the “wave of hope” theme.
“This is a badge of honour and a story of courage. Every stroke of the pattern on this jacket is not just an ordinary textile design. It comes from a true story, sweat and the extraordinary courage of swimmers striving to bring a wave of goodness,” Mira Hoeng said.