President Joko Widodo officially inaugurated Sail Teluk Cenderawasih 2023 on November 23, 2023, at Samau Beach, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, marking a significant effort to showcase the maritime, tourism, and socio-cultural potential of Papua. The event, held from November 21 to 27, featured a sailing pass with local fishermen and TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) vessels, traditional Papuan dances, and parachute performances by TNI and Indonesian National Police. During the opening ceremony, President Jokowi emphasized the extraordinary marine tourism potential of Teluk Cenderawasih in Papua. He expressed the need to promote this potential to both domestic and international tourists, aiming to elevate Papua's cultural richness and local products to a national and global level. As an archipelagic nation dominated by seas, Indonesia's president sees Sail Teluk Cenderawasih as a means to strengthen the country's presence as a maritime tourism destination. He envisions the event introducing not only the marine and maritime potential but also the socio-cultural aspects of Indonesia to the world.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, highlighted the event's potential to attract tourists and investors, contributing to economic revitalization and job creation in Papua. He expressed confidence in using event-based recovery strategies to stimulate the local economy. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy fully supported Sail Teluk Cenderawasih 2023, collaborating with the Biak Numfor District Fisheries Agency to decorate participating fishermen's boats with 1,000 Indonesian flags for the parade—a tangible demonstration of support for the initiative led by the Ministry of Investment/BKPM (Investment Coordinating Board). Sail Teluk Cenderawasih 2023 serves not only as a showcase of Papua's breathtaking marine beauty but also as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and the elevation of Indonesia's cultural richness onto the global stage. President Jokowi's endorsement and the active involvement of various ministries underscore the government's commitment to harnessing Indonesia's maritime potential for sustainable development.
