President Yudhoyono Visits Komodo Island for Int'l Sailing Event

Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and entourage, including First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, arrived on Komodo Island on Friday to attend Saturday's Sail Komodo event. Under a scorching sun he arrived at Labuan Bajo at around 11.45am East Indonesia Time and immediately boarded naval boat KRI Baladau 643 for the island, which is renowned for its large Komodo reptiles. The reptiles have been named one of the seven wonders of the world. "The visit is part of the Sail Komodo 2013 peak activities in East Nusa Tenggara," coordinating minister for people's welfare Agung Laksono, who was part of the president's entourage, said. He added that there are a number of activities scheduled at the international sailing event at Labuan Bajo in the province's West Manggarai district. "The President will spend a night at Labuan Bajo before taking part in Sail Komodo 2013 on Saturday," he said. Planning for the event has been continuous since July 2013, with all provinces in the archipelago becoming destinations for the sailing participants and Kupang, the capital of the province, serving as the entry point. Besides arts and cultural performances, there are also other activities that have been held to highlight the event, as it reaches its peak on Saturday. Additionally, Sail Komodo 2013 information chief Marine Colonel Bambang Hullianto said the Indonesian navy has been actively involved in all festival activities.(*) Reporting by Yohanes Adrianus