NTB Has Potential to Become National Horseback Archery Centre, Says Pordasi
Mataram (ANTARA) - The Chairperson of the Central Board (PP) of Pordasi Equestrian Archery, Triwatty Marciano, stated that West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) possesses great potential to develop into one of the national centres for equestrian archery.
“The main strength of NTB lies in the abundance of available local horses and the riding tradition that is deeply rooted in the community,” said Triwatty following the inauguration of the NTB Pordasi Equestrian Archery Board for the 2026-2030 period in Mataram on Saturday.
The inauguration was also attended by the Chairperson of the Central KONI, Marciano Norman, the Chairperson of KONI NTB and Member of the Indonesian Parliament, Mori Hanafi, as well as various sports officials and local government representatives.
According to Triwatty, NTB possesses assets that are difficult for other regions to replicate, particularly the presence of high-quality local horses and a pool of athletic talent derived from horse racing traditions.
He noted that the young jockeys, who have long been icons of NTB’s horse racing scene, have significant potential to be developed into equestrian archery athletes.
“We can develop them from young jockey athletes and then train their archery skills. Horses are also readily available because NTB is one of the nation’s horse hubs. This represents a very significant asset,” Triwatty remarked.
Triwatty added that Pordasi is currently implementing a national programme to raise the value and quality of regional horses so they can compete at both national and international levels.
“Our central programme is to develop existing regional horses so that the value of local horses increases, breeders reap economic benefits, and regional horses become better known, not just in NTB but nationally,” he said.
Triwatty continued that Pordasi is committed to providing greater opportunities for local horses in various national events, including the National Sports Week (PON).
According to him, the horse racing discipline at the upcoming PON, to be held in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), will feature more classes using regional horses.
“Four years ago, I promised to uplift regional horses. For the upcoming PON, the majority of the horses competing will be regional horses. This is an aspiration from regions that want local horses to have the opportunity to perform at the national level,” said Triwatty.
This policy, he added, will provide significant benefits to NTB, which has long been known as one of the nation’s primary horse breeding centres.
With the combination of local horses, a strong riding culture, and an abundance of young jockeys, he is optimistic that NTB can evolve into a reservoir of Indonesian equestrian archery athletes.
“In my view, NTB is highly potential to become one of the national hubs for equestrian archery athletes. The capital is already there; we just need to strengthen the training and development,” he said.
To this end, Triwatly also emphasised that the construction of sports facilities is the initial step required to support sustainable athlete development. Once facilities are available, efforts will be directed towards developing athletes and horses, as well as increasing the capacity of coaches and officials.
“We will work with the provincial and local governments to prepare infrastructure and facilities. God willing, tomorrow we will visit a horse racing location assisted by the Regent of Central Lombok as part of the preparations for PON 2028,” he concluded.