IDNtribune.com, Central Lombok – Indonesia is making international headlines as the country hosts its first-ever Paragliding Open Tournament featuring a special category for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Police (Polri). Set in the scenic SkyLancing, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, this highly anticipated event kicks off the final quarter of 2024 with a spectacular showcase of skill and bravery in the skies.

The prestigious event, officially named the “Open Paragliding Tournament for the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Cup”, has attracted both national and international attention. What sets this tournament apart is the inclusion of categories specifically for TNI/Polri participants, alongside traditional divisions for Senior Men/Women and Junior Men/Women, according to Technical Delegate Asgaf Umar.

With a total prize pool exceeding IDR 67 million (approximately USD 4,500), the tournament promises to draw competitors from across the archipelago. Founder of SkyLancing, Santo Suparnoto, revealed that to ensure smooth logistics, the Indonesian Air Force will be providing transportation for athletes. Participants will be flown in by Hercules aircraft from various air bases, including Hasanuddin Air Base in Makassar and Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta.

“If the target is met, we expect up to 150 participants,” Suparnoto said, underscoring the large scale of this event. The tournament is slated to run from October 17-20, 2024, as part of the celebrations for the 79th anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

As the international paragliding community turns its attention to Lombok, this landmark event signals Indonesia’s growing presence on the global stage of aerial sports. ***