Semarang, Central Java, ABIM (27/11/2023) – The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), in collaboration with the Executive Board of the Indonesian Rowing Sports Association (PB PODSI), have organized a rowing competition in Semarang from November 25-26th, 2023, in celebration of the 78th PU Devotion Day.

Mohammad Zainal Fatah, secretary general of the PUPR Ministry, stated that river management is one of its responsibilities. The purpose of this rowing competition is to encourage more people to visit and preserve the river.

“This event is about bringing people closer to river culture, where rivers are a pleasant place, not just about improving our athletes’ achievements.” PUPR cleans rivers on a regular basis, but community involvement is also required to keep rivers clean and healthy. “Clean water is part of our life,” remarked Zainal Fatah of rivers.

The rowing competition took place on the 500-meter-long Semarang West Flood Canal track, which the Pemali Juana River Basin Center had constructed in advance. As per the recommendations of the PB PODSI, two distinct categories of boats are the subject of the competition: canoes and dragon boats.

“There are 376 participants from 24 rowing clubs in West Java, Central Java, and East Java.” The PUPR center’s team will also take part in the dragon boat competition. “As Chair of the organizing committee, PU Polytechnic Director Thomas Setiabudi Aden explained that winners will receive medals, certificates, and coaching funds.”

Then, twenty match officials and referees were appointed by PB PODSI in preparation for the competition. PB PODSI also provided support for 16 kayak units, 8 canoe units and 8 dragon boat units.(ABIM)