Police Support Pelalawan Boat Racing to Boost Ecotourism on Kampar River
The exotic charm of the Kampar River has once again captivated visitors through the Pelalawan Boat Racing 2026. The boat racing event ran smoothly thanks to security support from the Pelalawan Police, who fully back the development of eco-tourism in Pelalawan Regency.
The event was held at Kuala Terusan Tourism Village in Pangkalan Kerinci Subdistrict on Friday, 10 July 2026. It was officially opened by the Regent of Pelalawan, H Zukti, together with the regency’s Forkopimda leadership forum, and was scheduled to run for three days from 10 to 12 July 2026.
Pelalawan Police Chief AKBP John Louis Letedara expressed his support for eco-tourism, saying the event served not only as a competition but also as a means of promoting Pelalawan’s tourism potential and culture.
“As the National Police, we fully support positive activities such as the Pelalawan Boat Racing. Beyond channelling participants’ talents and upholding sportsmanship, this event introduces the charm of the Kampar River to the wider public,” John Louis said in a statement on Saturday, 11 July 2026.
On that occasion, AKBP John Louis called on the community to support the positive event by helping to create a conducive security and public order situation.
“Let us all safeguard security and public order together so the event runs smoothly and delivers economic benefits to the people of Kuala Terusan,” he added.
The opening ceremony proceeded successfully, beginning with the singing of Indonesia Raya, a prayer recitation, and speeches by the head of the organising committee from the Pelalawan Tourism and Sports Office and the Regent of Pelalawan. At the climax of the ceremony, the Regent and Forkopimda officials officially declared the Pelalawan Boat Racing open.
The event was enlivened by the presence of guest star ‘Mama Racing’. The races were divided into three classes: the 500cc to 550cc engine class with a maximum 94mm modified piston, the Ketinting Lap Fishermen’s Class for 6.5HP to 8HP engines with a standard maximum 75mm piston, and a mixed engine class with a maximum of one 95mm embedded piston.
A total of 63 participants from three regencies took part in the Pelalawan Boat Racing, with local residents turning out enthusiastically to watch.
The Pelalawan Police deployed dozens of personnel to ensure the event ran smoothly. Officers were stationed at strategic points around the venue and along the river course to guarantee the safety of both participants and spectators. Coordination was also carried out with the organising committee and relevant agencies.
The entire opening programme concluded at around 5.30pm Western Indonesia Time in a safe, orderly and conducive atmosphere. The staging of the Pelalawan Boat Racing 2026 is expected to increase tourist visits to Kuala Terusan Tourism Village while also driving local micro, small and medium enterprises around the Kute Pangkalan Kerinci beach area.