Jakarta Anniversary Rowing Competition Promotes the East Flood Canal (BKT) as a Water Tourism Destination

The East Flood Canal (BKT) in East Jakarta does not only function for flood control, but also carries strong potential to be developed into a water sports based tourist destination. The rowing competition held as part of Jakarta's 499th Anniversary serves as a medium to introduce BKT as an attractive and easily accessible recreational spot.

Hundreds of students under the Student Nature Lovers community (Sispala) from various schools across Jakarta participated in the competition held at the BKT area, Duren Sawit.

Aside from building a competitive atmosphere, this event also delivers environmental conservation messages while revitalising open public space in the capital city.

This event will run until Sunday, 28 June 2026.

"A total of 262 students joined this event. We hope this will become a fixed annual agenda and a signature celebration for Jakarta's Anniversary, so that the public will come to recognise: 'oh right, there is the rowing competition every Jakarta Anniversary'," stated Fauzi, Economic Development Assistant of the East Jakarta Municipal Government.

According to Fauzi, this competition is not merely an arena to test rowing skills, but also education on the importance of preserving waterway areas to keep them clean and comfortable for public use.

"This is not only socialising water sports to the community. There is also a message that all of us must cherish this nature, protect its beauty and keep our waters well maintained," said Fauzi.

To ensure safety, the organising committee alongside relevant agencies have on standby rescue teams from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) as well as Fire Department officers. This step is implemented to anticipate possible emergency situations or health incidents during the competition.

Fauzi assessed that hosting more activities at the BKT area will help introduce this location to the wider public. With available facilities and easy access, BKT has great opportunity to develop into a free public tourist destination, both for sports activities and family recreation.

Participant enthusiasm serves as a positive indicator. Adjie Rimbawan, Chairman of the Student Nature Lovers Alumni Forum (FASTA), revealed that participant numbers this year have increased compared to previous event editions.

"The enthusiasm is actually very high. If we had not closed registration, the number would have reached 300 participants," Adjie stated.

To accommodate the high participant interest, the committee added new competition categories. Alongside canoe, kayak and rafting, this year also introduced the Stand Up Paddle (SUP) category, a water sport where participants row while standing on a floating board.

Adjie is confident that BKT holds promising prospects as a water sports tourism area that can drive local community economic activity, including opening wider opportunities for MSME operators around the location.