Gowes Nusantara with Sport Minister in Batola

Marabahan, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The cyclists of the Barito Kuala (Batola) District, South Kalimantan, were very happy because the Gowes Nusantara was released directly by Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi on Saturday (20/7).


Minister Imam Nahrawi saw off hundreds of Gowes Nusantara participants from the Batola Regent's Office yard marked by the flag waving by Regent Hj Noormiliyani and South Kalimantan Provincial Secretary H Abdul Haris.

Ordinary people, sub-district heads, officials, leaders of women's organizations, members of Forkopimda including Deputy Regent H. Rahmadian Noor and wife Hj Saraswati Dwiputranti took part by cycling a distance of 8.5 kilometers of roads.

Imam Nahrawi said he was very happy to be able to release Gowes Nusantara participants directly in Batola District.

He said Marabahan, the capital of Batola, was very beautiful with the Regent's Office directly facing the Barito River.

Read also: Barito bridge repaired, open-close traffic used

"Earlier the regent spoke about swimming pool, I think why not this be used for water sports such as swimming, rowing and others," the minister said.

According to the minister, water sports do require innovation because their growth and development usually comes from the traditions, culture, and interests of the people.

"Who knows, there will be Barito Kuala's typical swimming sport even though it has many challenges such as the number of ships passing by, coal barges, including the possibility of crocodiles," he said.

Regarding the Gowes Nusantara which was also attended by South Kalimantan Provincial Secretary Abdul Haris and Youth, Sport, culture and Tourism Agency Hermansyah, the minister explained, the activities would be developed from Sabang to Merauke from Miangas to Rote Island in the hope of becoming a people's favorite and choice besides other types of sports.