Banyuwangi Holds Underwater Festival

Banyuwangi, E Java, (Antara) - The Banyuwangi district government in East Java Province held the Underwater Festival on Saturday and Sunday to promote underwater tourism at some locations in the district, according to District Head Abdullah Azwar Anas.

"We continue to explore the potential of natural resources in Banyuwangi, and the Underwater Festival is one such way to broadly introduce the underwater beauty of the district," Abdullah remarked in his opening address on Saturday.

The district head noted that the festival, with took place at the Joint Protection Zone of the Floating House off the Bangsring Beach, aimed at introducing the underwater paradise of Bangsring.

A total of 42 divers from various circles plunged into the waters of Bangsring and raised the red-and-white flag at a depth of 10 meters to enliven the festival.

Over the past four years, the Bangsring underwater paradise has become one of the popular attractions in Banyuwangi where the visitors can enjoy marine tourism.

Abdulah said the festival not only aimed at promoting tourism but was also part of the marine ecosystem campaign to manage the sea to provide economic benefits to the local traditional fishermen.

"Through this Underwater Festival, we hope the achievements of the local traditional fishermen will be showcased to encourage other fishermen across the district of Banyuwangi," he added.(*)