JAKARTA - Sports tourism or sport tourism is increasingly seen as a strategic approach in developing tourist destinations. This concept not only offers a recreational experience based on physical activity, but also encourages local economic circulation, destination promotion, and improvement of health and human resources.
Various regions have begun to utilize their natural and infrastructure potential to hold sports agendas that are integrated with tourism, including in the Banten region.
In line with this trend, Banten Governor Andra Soni encourages the development of sports tourism as one way to strengthen the appeal of tourism while improving the quality of human resources in the region. One of the efforts encouraged is the organization of cycling activities or gowes in various Banten flagship destinations.
Andra said that the gowes activity has great potential to connect the aspects of sports, tourism, and community economic empowerment if managed collaboratively and sustainably.
He referred to the implementation of the Gemilang Gowes Village Tourism Collaboration Fun Bike held by the Indonesian Bicycle Sports Association (ISSI) at SMKN 5 Tangerang Regency, Sunday, December 28, 2026.
"What ISSI does, hopefully, can continue to grow and grow, especially if it is intended for sports tourism. Let's collaborate to organize cycling tours at tourist attractions such as Tanjung Lesung, Anyer, Carita, and others," said Andra Soni, as quoted by ANTARA.
According to him, the bicycle tourism agenda does not have to be centered on already popular destinations. This activity can also be directed to tourist villages which are now increasingly accessible along with the development of road infrastructure by the Banten Provincial Government.
"We are now building roads in villages, so we can shift activities to villages," he said.
Andra emphasized that the development of sports tourism is in line with the agenda of improving the quality of human resources which is a priority of the central and regional governments. In addition to formal education, sports are considered to play an important role in shaping character, maintaining health, and improving community competitiveness.
"One of President Prabowo Subianto's priorities, as well as the Banten Provincial Government and the district/city governments, is improving the quality of human resources. In addition to through education, human resource development is also carried out through sports," he explained.
He also emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration among stakeholders so that development can run consistently and provide a real impact on people's welfare.
"The importance of collaboration, when everyone believes and trusts that cooperation can prosper, then we will not be suspicious of each other. We will support each other and join hands to jointly develop the region," said Andra.
In the context of governance, Andra stated that the Banten Provincial Government remained open to public criticism and input as part of the policy improvement process.
"We will continue to follow up on criticism and suggestions. Don't make us weak, instead, suggestions and input should make us stronger," he said.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Tangerang Mochamad Maesyal Rasyid assessed that the fun bike activity was an effective means to cultivate sports and strengthen inter-regional synergy.
"From sports, the people of Tangerang Regency and Banten Province are expected to be healthy," he said.
The Chairman of the Banten Provincial ISSI, Ahmad Dedi Muhdi, added that cross-agency collaboration in the activity also contributed to improving the achievements of Banten cycling athletes at the national level.
"ISSI Banten Province at the 2024 PON contributed two medals. At Popnas, it also contributed two medals. ISSI Banten Province will continue to hone and find superior seeds in the cycling sports," he said.
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