Jakarta Watersport Festival 2026 to Boost Sports Tourism and Creative Economy at Lake Sunter
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, through its Tourism and Creative Economy Department (Disparekraf), will hold the Jakarta Watersport Festival 2026 on 1–2 August 2026 at Sunter Lake, North Jakarta. The event forms part of a strategy to strengthen Jakarta’s position as a global city by developing competitive urban tourism destinations whilst promoting growth in the tourism and creative economy sectors.
Jakarta possesses water-based tourism potential spread across various areas, from lakes and reservoirs to rivers and coastal zones. This potential is being continuously developed into productive public spaces, recreational facilities for residents, and venues for events of both national and international scale.
In organising the Jakarta Watersport Festival 2026, Disparekraf DKI Jakarta is collaborating with the Indonesian Rowing Association (PODSI) to present a festival concept that combines water sports, tourism, entertainment, education and the creative economy in a single programme of activities.
The festival is expected to increase tourist visits, strengthen Jakarta’s image as a sport tourism destination, and deliver positive economic impact for local communities and businesses. PODSI is playing a role in drafting competition regulations, providing competition equipment, and offering technical guidance for athletes and general participants alike.
The Head of the DKI Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Department, Andhika Permata, said the Jakarta Watersport Festival 2026 is one of the provincial government’s strategies to deliver high-quality events capable of attracting tourists whilst optimising the potential of water-based tourism destinations.
“Events play an important role as a magnet for tourist visits. Through the Jakarta Watersport Festival 2026, we want to offer a different tourism experience by harnessing the potential of lakes and water areas as spaces for recreation, sport and entertainment,” said Andhika.
He explained that the festival will feature not only water sports competitions but also various attractions, entertainment and creative economy products for the public to enjoy. According to him, the festival is expected to encourage tourists to visit Jakarta, extend their length of stay, and generate positive impact for tourism and creative economy businesses.
Andhika added that strengthening the events calendar forms part of Jakarta’s strategy to enhance its competitiveness as a world-class urban tourism destination. Various themed events are being held throughout the year to give tourists reasons to visit Jakarta in every season.
He said that through the Jakarta Watersport Festival, the government wants to reinforce Jakarta’s image as a sport tourism destination that not only possesses sporting facilities but also offers a unique, premium tourism experience. The move aligns with Jakarta’s efforts to strengthen its position as a competitive global city and a leading tourism destination in the region.
“Through the Jakarta Watersport Festival, we want to strengthen Jakarta’s image as a sport tourism destination that not only has sporting facilities but can also deliver a unique and premium tourism experience. This is in line with Jakarta’s efforts to strengthen its position as a competitive global city and a leading destination in the region,” said Andhika.
Beyond serving as a tourism promotion platform, the festival is also expected to become a vehicle for nurturing and scouting talented young athletes in water sports. By combining competition, recreation and education, the public is invited to learn about and safely try various water sports in an enjoyable way.
Over its two days, the Jakarta Watersport Festival 2026 will feature five main segments for the enjoyment of all segments of society:
Water Sports Competition, featuring events such as Kayak (Kayak Racing, Kayak Touring, Mini Kayak and Single Boat), Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and Dragon Boat.
Spontaneous Rowing, an interactive activity giving members of the public the opportunity to try rowing first-hand under instructor supervision.
Entertainment Stage, featuring performances by musicians and various acts to enliven the festival. MSME Bazaar, involving businesses mentored by Disparekraf DKI Jakarta as a showcase for local creative and culinary products.
Activations and Education, comprising the promotion of water-based tourism destinations, a healthy lifestyle campaign, and various educational activities on water sports and environmental conservation.
Through the Jakarta Watersport Festival 2026, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government hopes that more residents will make use of water-based public spaces as destinations for recreation, sport and tourism activities. The festival also forms part of a strategy to develop high-quality events expected to strengthen Jakarta’s competitiveness as a global city whilst delivering economic benefits for local communities.