Amban Beach Goes Global, Manokwari to Host WSL QS2000

Global attention has once again turned towards Manokwari. The West Papua Provincial Government has officially allocated Rp1.4 billion to support the Manokwari World Surf League (WSL) Series QS2000, scheduled for Amban Beach from November 26–30, 2025. This event marks a strategic step to elevate Manokwari's profile as a world-class surfing destination.

Acting Head of the West Papua Tourism and Culture Office, Yakobus Basongan, confirmed that most funds have been disbursed to the organizers.

"Approximately Rp850 million has been handed over to the organizing committee," he stated.

The remaining budget will cover supporting needs, including services for official teams and other technical preparations ahead of the international competition.

WSL Competition Level Upgrade in Manokwari

The QS2000 event follows three previous WSL QS1000 series. Through this larger-scale contest, the West Papua Provincial Government and Indonesian Surfing Federation (PSOI) aim to boost Manokwari's exposure on the global surfing map.

Yakobus noted that upgrading to QS3000 or QS4000 is feasible but requires broader funding collaboration.

"Advancing to QS3000 or QS4000 demands shared budgeting, as costs could reach Rp5 billion," he explained.

WSL data indicates competitions above QS2000 level attract elite athletes capable of driving tens of thousands of tourists—particularly from surfing powerhouses like Australia, Japan, and the United States.

Cross-Sector Collaboration for West Papua Tourism

Yakobus emphasized that tourism development requires multi-institutional cooperation across provincial/city governments, indigenous leaders, youth representatives, and security forces.

"Tourism sector success depends on stakeholders' commitment to destination management, infrastructure development, and service quality improvement," he asserted.

He clarified his office solely facilitates events as tourism promotion, adding, "Athlete development falls under another department's authority."

International Athletes Arriving

Competitors from Australia, Japan, Philippines, USA, Malaysia, and Singapore have confirmed participation. Amban Beach's consistent, powerful waves make it an ideal "testing ground" for surfers advancing to higher competitive tiers.

Yakobus confirmed ongoing coordination: "Preparations for the November 26–30, 2025 event are complete."

Before the international contest, PSOI will hold local competitions featuring athletes from Raja Ampat, Biak, and other Papuan regions—providing training grounds for local surfers to challenge global competitors.

"This enables local athletes to participate in domestic and international surfing events," Basongan noted.

Local MSMEs Given Platform

The regional government will provide stalls for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during the event.

"Community participation is vital, hence we allocate MSME spaces," said Yakobus.

Beyond sports, the event is expected to generate economic momentum for local businesses while strengthening West Papua's tourism ecosystem.