West Sumbawa, 9 September 2024 - The sound of joyful children filled the air at Jelenga Beach in West Sumbawa, Indonesia (KSB), as dozens of primary and secondary students from SATAP Jelenga participated in a surfing clinic organized by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN), one of Indonesia’s largest copper-and-gold mining companies. Professional surfer Rizal Tandjung participated in this clinic to enhance the potential of marine tourism in KSB.
The surfing clinic was a component of the ‘Blue Program’ under AMMAN’s Community Empowerment and Development Program (PPM). The Blue Program is designed to develop young surfers’ skills through expert guidance and good facilities and to foster awareness about the importance of ocean safety and environmental preservation. The program also seeks to strengthen collaboration with local communities and the government to advance surfing in Indonesia.
AMMAN Vice President of Social Impact Priyo Pramono stated, “Through this surfing program, KSB youth trained here will have significant opportunities to become professional surfers who can compete on national and international stages. Surfing has great potential, and KSB boasts a key asset for surfing: perfect waves. Hence, we must make the best use of it. Furthermore, instilling environmental awareness from an early age will generate a generation that is more caring of and committed to preserving nature,” Priyo emphasized.
Clinic participant Khairullah, a ninth-grade student at SMP SATAP Jelenga, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, saying, “This activity is stimulating and fun. Professional surfer taught me a lot about how to surf correctly and safely. Additionally, I now understand the importance of keeping the sea and beach clean. I hope to participate again in the next event and become a great surfer.”
The Blue Program strives to boost regional economic growth through tourism development, local business enhancement, infrastructure investment, and the creation of educational and training opportunities. The program also promotes environmental preservation awareness and fosters sustainable community development.
“AMMAN’s support through the surf clinic program has catalyzed our students’ interest in surfing. The previously existing surfing extracurricular activities are now thriving with high enthusiasm from the participants. In line with the spirit of our national curriculum, this activity not only hones physical skills but also nurtures a spirit of adventure and sportsmanship. We have even achieved proud accomplishments, with three of our students successfully competing in the local, regional, and national levels of the Indonesian Surf League in Bali in 2023,” stated Erna Milosova, Head of SD/SMP Satap Jelenga.
Jelenga Beach was chosen as the location for the surfing clinic for good reason. Its stunning natural beauty and consistent waves make it a paradise for surfers. In a recent online article,
‘The 11 Best Beaches in Indonesia,’
Lonely Planet recognized Jelenga as one of the best surf spots in Indonesia, further solidifying its status as an ideal location for learning and enjoying the sport of surfing.
“The surfing training at Jelenga Beach shows how the collaboration between companies, athletes, and local communities can bring about positive impacts. We hope these training programs will continue to grow, adding value to the destination and delivering broader benefits for the community and the surrounding environment through surfing,” Priyo concluded.
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