Formas VIII Is Expected To Warm Up NTB Towards PON 2028

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

NTB - The Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is expected to be able to take advantage of the VIII 2025 National Community Sports Festival (Fornas) as a warm-up before hosting the 2028 PON with NTT. This was conveyed by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya when releasing the number participant in the Fornas VIII trail competition which was held in Sembalun, East Lombok, Sunday.

"This FORnas can be used to train the readiness of the NTB Provincial Government to PON 2028. Hopefully this location can also be used later," said Bima accompanied by the deputy Regent of East Lombok HM Edwin Hadiwijaya, quoted from ANTARA, July 28.

Bima appreciated the management of the Indonesian Trail Running Association (ALTI) at all levels for their involvement in the success of Fornas VIII.

He believes that running trail as one of the recreational sports has a broad impact on the regional economy, because it is closely related to the tourism sector and can increase tourist visits in NTB.

"Because this ALTI has a lot of slices, one of which is tourism and tourism. So it has a huge impact on the community's economy," he said.

In particular, Bima highlighted Sembalun which he called one of the best areas in Indonesia. Located at the foot of Mount Rinjani, Bima said Sembalun is very suitable for natural-based sports and has strong potential to be increased as a location for national events.

"The runners are very happy, because they can run in Sembalun, which is one of many heavens running in Indonesia," he said.

Fornas VIII was attended by a 38-province contingent with a total of 12,378 match activists, 3,870 match kits and officials, 74 parent sports organizations (Inorga) with 847 match numbers, 13 Inorga exhibitions, and 3 Inorga invited by the Governor of NTB.

The total number of participants who attended West Nusa Tenggara through Fornas VIII reached more than 18,000 people with economic turnover projects of more than Rp800 billion.