City to hold jet-ski competition

JAKARTA (JP): A competition in the sport of jet-ski racing, little-known locally, will take place at the Horison Beach Hotel in Ancol, North Jakarta, on Sunday.

The event, the second of its kind to be held in Indonesia, will feature two divisions, "Run Boat" and "Sport Boat", powered with engines ranging from 600 cubic centimeters to 1100 cc, organizer Ferdinand Tampubolon said yesterday.

The participants will be vying for trophies from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, the National Sports Council and the Indonesian National Youth Committee.

Jet-skiing is not yet a popular sport in Indonesia, since the machines, made in either America or Japan, cost up to Rp 20 million (US$8,800) apiece here.

"At present there is no sporting association that supports such events in Indonesia and, for that reason, I'm trying to popularize jet-skiing," said Ferdinand. The event, with cash prizes totaling Rp 20 million up for grabs, is scheduled to be opened by National Sports Council Chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar. "Hopefully jet-skiing will attract a great number of spectators," said Ferdinand.

U.S. world champion Rick Roy has been invited to take part in the competition, but the committee is still waiting for confirmation of his attendance. Thai national champion jet-skier Jay Jetarin has confirmed his participation in the competition.

At least 70 jet-skiers from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia will take part in the race. Defending Indonesian national motocross champion Johny Pranata will take part in the competition, as will Jennifer Supit, who won the Second Singapore Jet Ski International Man championship. Other local racers are Astri Ivo, Aji Masaid and Rani Jodi.

The first jet-ski competition, in which 20 jet-skiers took part, was held at the Bandulu Bay Resort in Anyer, West Java, last April. (JP/yasid).