Lembata Fishing Tournament 2026 Officially Opened as Participants from Indonesia and Australia and Timor-Leste Join the Competition

Local government of Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, officially opened the Lembata Fishing Tournament 2026 on Saturday, 24 May 2026. Under the tagline ‘Strike Together, Strengthen the Brotherhood from Lembata for Indonesia and the World’, the event serves as both a maritime tourism promotion and a means to forge stronger ties among participants from different regions and countries.

Chair of the organising committee, Heri Tanatawa, said Lembata’s maritime potential strongly supports an international-level fishing competition. He noted the sea conditions during the competition are quite favourable. ‘The sea characteristics in Lembata are highly capable for a tournament like this. Today and tomorrow the currents are forecast to be flat and friendly for participants,’ he said.

Participants come from various regions including Selayar, Bali, and Surabaya, as well as from abroad such as Australia, Timor-Leste, and Malaysia. The tournament runs for two days, with this year 18 teams taking part out of an initial target of 50 teams. The committee acknowledged that the number of participants is not yet optimal due to transport constraints and the high cost of travel to Lembata. Nevertheless, they are optimistic the numbers will rise in the next edition.

The total prize for the event amounts to Rp181 million, funded by the regional budget (APBD), sponsorship, and the support of sympathisers who care about the development of tourism and fishing sports in Lembata. The prize for the top winners is substantial: first place Rp75 million, second Rp50 million, third Rp35 million. There are also categories for the best total catch (Rp7 million), best species (Rp7 million), and best captain.

The Regent of Lembata, Petrus Kanisius Tuaq, in his address welcomed all participants, including delegations from Timor Leste, Malaysia and Australia. ‘Welcome to Lembata. Obrigado barak to our friends from Timor Leste,’ he said. He also expressed appreciation to the committee, relevant local government agencies, the Fisheries Department, the Tourism Department, and Mrs Ica, who are seen as playing a major role in organising the event. According to the Regent, fishing competitions are not merely a hobby but also a means to strengthen brotherhood, uphold sportsmanship, and boost the local economy. ‘We have four beautiful mountains, a whale-hunting tradition, Lewolein, Paheng Waq Beach, and a beautiful waterfall. Let us broadcast Lembata’s beauty to the world,’ he said. He reminded all participants to keep the sea clean and to prioritise safety during the competition. ‘Protect our sea as you compete, ensure safety, and good luck. Enjoy it,’ his message concluded.

In a press conference, the Regent said he was grateful that the event, prepared in a short time, could attract participants from three countries. He hoped the Regent’s Trophy could become an annual attraction to showcase the region’s potential. ‘We want to tell the world that Lembata is beautiful and has abundant fish. The more people know Lembata, the better for this region,’ he said. One participant from Sydney, James, said it was his first time taking part in a fishing tournament in Lembata and found fishing in eastern Indonesia very interesting. ‘Indonesia is quite expensive, but transport is not a major issue. It’s not hard to come here,’ he said. Meanwhile, one sponsor Ms Ica, owner of Engler Nekat Bali, spoke of initiating the tournament out of a love of fishing; she noted that Lembata’s waters hold enormous fish potential. ‘The monster fish in Lembata are extraordinary. That convinced us the tournament is worth developing,’ she said.