AIR ANYIR – Head of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports (Disparbudkepora) of Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (Babel) province, Suharto, officially opened Drag Bike competition at Lintas Timur circuit in Air Anyir village, Bangka Regency on Sunday (16/1/2022).
Initiated by the provincial and Bangka regency Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) and Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) of Babel, 500 racers including from Sumatera Barat, Palembang, and Java Island competed in the event to win trophy and money.
Suharto said that he had suggested Bangka regent to hold the event for a long time. It was to give a chance for local youths to find an outlet for their talent in sport, especially motor race.
“Youths must be given a chance to encourage their talents in sports. If we don’t organize an event, they’ll race illegally. I’m afraid they’ll deal with law and put people in danger,” he said.
The former provincial representative council secretary also hoped that the competition could be an annual event at Lintas Timur circuit to promote tourism in Bangka regency.
“The idea of Lintas Timur road construction was mine and the late governor Eko. One of its functions is for a race track. Therefore the strategic straight road was located close to beach. It just needs to be widened and have smoother asphalt,” he added.
Suharto also asked related institution to keep working together in organizing sport event in Babel. It was not only to promote Babel, but it was also to attract many domestic and foreign visitors.
He highly appreciated the committee for applying health protocol. The racers and spectators who could participate were those who had been vaccinated only.
“I highly appreciate the committee. Racers and spectators who are not vaccinated yet cannot race and watch the competition.”
The opening ceremony of 2022 Drag Bike was attended by Military Area Commander Pacification Intelligence Colonel Didik, secretary of Bangka regency Andi Hudirman, chairman of provincial KNPI Remil Yanus, chairman of provincial IMI Surya, and officials from transportation office of Bangka regency. (Rz/ Translated by S. Ahmad Sobri/ Edited by Zelly)
