Tanjungpinang Swarmed by World Yachters, Kepri's Moment to Show Off to Global Tourists

The calm waves in Tanjungpinang waters witnessed the arrival of dozens of cruise ships from various parts of the world. Since Wednesday, November 29, 2025, those white sails anchored gracefully, marking the start of Sail to Indonesia Goes to Kepri 2025, a maritime celebration not just about sailing, but also a symbol of the openness of the Riau Islands (Kepri) as Indonesia's maritime tourism gateway.

Yachters from Germany, France, Russia, Canada, to the United States arrived with a spirit of adventure. They are part of the Yacht Rally 2025, a sea expedition carrying a grand mission: to introduce Indonesia as The Best Sailing Ground on Earth, a paradise for the world's sailors.

"Besides Kepri, these yachters will stop by several regions in the archipelago, such as Ambon, Wakatobi, and Banyuwangi. The goal is to introduce Indonesia as The Best Sailing Ground on Earth, a paradise for the world's sailors," said Hasan, Head of the Kepri Tourism Office.

A Warm Welcome at the Merdeka Coffee Festival

Upon setting foot on Tanjungpinang land, these world sailors were warmly welcomed at the Merdeka Coffee Festival 2025, held on Jalan Merdeka from October 29 to November 2, 2025.

The city atmosphere instantly transformed into a cultural fiesta. From the wafting aroma of Kepri Robusta coffee, the savory taste of Tanjungpinang's signature gonggong dish, to Barong Sai and Dragon Dance performances, all blended into an unforgettable experience for the guests.

"We want the yachters not just to stop by, but to truly feel the warmth and cultural richness of the Kepri people," he hoped.

International Tourists and Local SMEs Meet in Tanjungpinang

This festival is not just about attractions, but also about interaction between culture and the local economy. The yachters were invited to explore the SME bazaar and sample various culinary delights, which they brought back to their cruise ships as souvenirs.

"At the Merdeka Coffee Festival, dozens of international tourist yachters shopped for various culinary items to take back to their cruise ships. Additionally, while in Tanjungpinang, they also spent money for their daily needs on the ship," Hasan explained.

They not only enjoyed coffee but also traced the historical footsteps of Penyengat Island, a small island holding tales of Malay glory and serving as one of the cultural tourism icons in Tanjungpinang.

A Moment to Affirm Kepri as Indonesia's Maritime Gateway

More than just a voyage, Sail to Indonesia Goes to Kepri is a moment for elegant cultural diplomacy and tourism promotion.

"Sail to Indonesia Goes to is not just a sailing event, but a moment to strengthen Kepri's position as Indonesia's maritime tourism gateway," Hasan emphasized.

The collaboration between Sail to Indonesia and the Merdeka Coffee Festival is a tangible example of how tourism can bridge culture, economy, and international friendship.

This agenda is expected to boost the target of two million foreign tourist visits in 2025. As of August, the realization had already reached 1.2 million tourists.

"With a spirit of collaboration and surging optimism, Kepri continues to prove itself as a premier tourist destination that is not only beautiful but also warm, characterful, and world-class," he concluded.

Kepri, The New Course of World Maritime Tourism

From the expanse of blue sea to the warm smiles of its people, Kepri increasingly affirms itself as the first gateway welcoming world tourists to Indonesia.

Through events like Sail to Indonesia Goes to Kepri, the maritime spirit that has long flowed through the veins of the archipelago now sails once more, carrying the message that Indonesia is not just a tourist destination, but a grand home for the world's ocean explorers.(Antara)