TEMPO.CO, Solo - Surakarta, popularly known as Solo, is holding Bengawan Solo Festival. The festival is held to promote tourism in the longest river in Java island that flows across the city.
Traditional river transportation mode, called getek (bamboo raft), becomes the main attraction on the festival.
“There are 27 decorated getek presented on the event,” said Eny Tiyasni Susana, Head of Surakarta Culture and and Tourism Agency, on Saturday.
The rafts, tens in number, compete in a race which is held on the second day to win trophy and money prize worth Rp4 million. The winner will be selected based on their synchronization, balance, creativity and the availability of emergency devices.
The getek race is started from Sangkrah and finished in Pucangcawit.
“The traveled distance reaches 4.2 kilometers,” Eny added.
A canoe race was also held on the first day. Coordinator of the festival organizer, Madiono said the activities are held in compliance with safety standard. The search and rescue team is also engaged to anticipate any unwanted accidents.
AHMAD RAFIQ
