The Indonesia Jetsport & Boating Association (IJBA) will once again hold the 2026 International Jetsport World Series in Ancol, Jakarta, this coming August.
"We have designed this year's Jetsport World Championship as a major event with greater exposure, demonstrating that Indonesia is worthy of hosting the Jetski World Series," said IJBA Chairman Saiful Sutan Aswar at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He explained that the event will be attended by jet ski athletes from various countries who will compete in six classes, namely Pro Runabout GP, Pro Ski GP, Freestyle Show, Women Pro Class, and Team World Challenge.
Aswar explained that Indonesia last hosted the Jetsport World Championship in 2019. However, the excitement surrounding the event at that time didn't create a strong impression that Indonesia could host an international jetski event.
Therefore, he said, this year's event will be held with greater enthusiasm through digital media promotions both domestically and internationally to highlight Indonesia's position as the host.
"We want to convey the message that Indonesia is a worthy venue for the world championships, not just in 2026, but every year," he said.
Aswar explained that the implementation of the Jetsport World Championship not only highlights the sporting side, but also the potential of Indonesian tourism to help spur the growth of sports-based tourism in Indonesia.
He added that Indonesian athletes were also prepared to face the event, including Aero Aswar and Aqsa Aswar who have a track record as world champions.
After the world championship, he said, IJBA will also hold a national championship as a space for jet ski athletes in the country to compete and produce the best potential that can be relied upon to represent Indonesia on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Ismail Ning said that his party welcomed the Jetsport World Championship in Indonesia after seven years.
"This shows that we have an excellent jet ski arena and it really needs to be utilized to its full potential," he said.
