West Java Paragliding Championship 2026: 88 Pilots from 13 Countries Gather in Sumedang
The skies of Sumedang Regency have once again become a stage for international aero-sports. A total of 88 pilots from 13 countries are participating in the West Java Paragliding Championship (WJPC) 2026, which officially opened at the Sumedang Government Centre (PPS) on Sunday (13/09).
This prestigious paragliding competition will take place over nine days, from 12 to 20 September 2026. Athletes will take off from the Batu Dua area and land in the Ujung Jaya region, specifically in Labuan Village, Sumedang Regency.
Of the 88 competing pilots, 55 are international participants, while 33 are from Indonesia. The presence of these international athletes serves as a strategic momentum for Sumedang to introduce its sporting and tourism potential to the global stage.
The Chairperson of the WJPC 2026 Committee and official of the Indonesian Aero Sport Federation (FASI) for Sumedang Regency, Aris Pribaya, explained that the WJPC has become a routine agenda consistently held over the last three years.
“We hope all participants can enjoy the atmosphere and hospitality of Sumedang, not only during the competition but also throughout their stay here,” said Aris.
This year’s event has received full support from various parties, including the local government, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Health Office, and various other stakeholders. Aris emphasised that this collaboration is a manifestation of a shared commitment to developing the sport of paragliding.
“Sumedang is united to progress internationally. Paragliding is one of the ways to introduce Sumedang to the world,” he added.
The Chairperson of FASI Sumedang Regency, Rahmat Juliadi, also expressed his appreciation to the Sumedang Regency Government and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda). He hopes this event will not only produce high-achieving athletes but also strengthen Sumedang’s position as a global paragliding destination.
“With this event, we hope Sumedang becomes increasingly well-known, not just nationally but also internationally. The presence of participants from various countries is an excellent opportunity to introduce Sumedang to the world,” stated Rahmat.
The Regent of Sumedang, H. Dony Ahmad Munir, stated that the WJPC 2026 is tangible proof of the success of the pentahelix collaboration involving academia, the business world, communities, government, and the media.
Notably, this year’s WJPC was successfully organised without using the Regional Budget (APBD). The local government played a role in providing facilitation support and coordinating between regional agencies to ensure safety, health, and the smooth running of the activities.
“This is part of a pentahelix collaboration. This activity can be carried out without the APBD,” Dony asserted.