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_Boanerges Ratag, Remaja Papua Barat Berikan Hadiah Terindah Untuk Indonesia Jelang HUT ke- 80 RI_
Balige, Danau Toba, 15 Agustus 2025 – Indonesia kembali mencatatkan sejarah di panggung olahraga dunia. Boanerges Ratag, remaja berusia 16 tahun asal Papua Barat, resmi dinobatkan sebagai Juara Dunia pada ajang APB-UIM Endurance World Championship Grand Prix of Indonesia pada Jumat (15/8), di Danau Toba. Prestasi ini sekaligus mengukuhkan Ratag sebagai pembalap Indonesia pertama dan pembalap termuda dalam sejarah yang meraih gelar bergengsi di dunia Aquabike.
Ratag tampil luar biasa sejak hari pertama, mengoleksi poin melalui performa konsisten dan strategi matang. Ratag berhasil mengumpulkan 136 poin, unggul jauh dari pesaing terdekatnya Jay Finlinson (Amerika Serikat) di posisi runner-up dengan 113 poin, dan Anthony Radetic (Amerika Serikat) di posisi ketiga dengan 92 poin. Kemenangan ini memastikan Ratag unggul 23 poin dari runner-up dan 44 poin dari peringkat ketiga.
“Hari ini bukan hanya kemenangan saya, tapi kemenangan untuk Indonesia. Terima kasih untuk semua doa dan dukungan, terutama masyarakat Papua Barat dan seluruh rakyat Indonesia,” ujar Ratag.
Organizing Committee Chairman The Lake Toba GP/ Direktur Operasi ITDC, Troy Warokka menyampaikan, apresiasi dan kebanggaannya atas prestasi Ratag. “Kemenangan Boanerges Ratag adalah bukti bahwa putra bangsa mampu bersaing di level tertinggi dunia. Dari Papua Barat, ia membawa nama Indonesia berkibar di podium tertinggi. Ini adalah kado terindah menjelang peringatan HUT ke-80 RI, dan menjadi inspirasi bagi generasi muda untuk berani bermimpi dan berjuang meraihnya.”
Kemenangan ini terasa semakin istimewa karena diraih hanya dua hari jelang Hari Ulang Tahun ke-80 Republik Indonesia. Semangat juang Ratag di lintasan air mencerminkan nilai perjuangan dan pantang menyerah yang diwariskan para pahlawan bangsa.
“Dengan gelar juara dunia di usia yang begitu muda, Ratag bukan hanya mengharumkan nama Indonesia, tetapi juga menginspirasi generasi muda untuk berani bermimpi dan berprestasi di tingkat internasional,” tutup Troy.
Sebagai local organizer ajang APB-UIM Endurance World Championship Grand Prix of Indonesia, InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) berperan aktif bersama para stakeholder memastikan kesiapan infrastruktur, fasilitas, dan layanan pendukung. Kolaborasi ini menjadi kunci terselenggaranya event kelas dunia di Danau Toba yang sukses menghadirkan atmosfer kompetisi bagi para atlet sekaligus pengalaman tak terlupakan bagi penonton.
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*INDONESIAN RIDER BECOMES YOUNGEST-EVER WORLD CHAMPION IN AQUABIKE*
_Boanerges Ratag, West Papua Teen, Delivers the Perfect Gift for Indonesia Ahead of Its 80th Independence Day_
Balige, Lake Toba, 15 August 2025 – Indonesia has once again made history on the global sporting stage. Boanerges Ratag, a 16-year-old from West Papua, was officially crowned World Champion at the APB-UIM Endurance World Championship Grand Prix of Indonesia on Friday (15/8) in Lake Toba. This achievement makes Ratag both the first Indonesian rider and the youngest competitor in history to claim this prestigious title in the sport of aquabike.
Ratag delivered an outstanding performance from the very first day, collecting points through consistent results and strategic racing. He amassed a total of 136 points, finishing well ahead of runner-up Jay Finlinson (USA) with 113 points and third-placed Anthony Radetic (USA) with 92 points. This final tally secured Ratag a commanding 23-point lead over the runner-up and a 44-point margin over third place.
“Today is not just my victory, but a victory for Indonesia. Thank you for all the prayers and support, especially from the people of West Papua and all Indonesians,” said Ratag.
Organizing Committee Chairman of The Lake Toba GP / Director Operations of ITDC, Troy Warokka, expressed his pride and appreciation for Ratag’s achievement.
“Boanerges Ratag’s victory is proof that Indonesia’s young talents can compete at the highest level in the world. From West Papua, he has raised the Indonesian flag at the very top of the podium. This is the perfect gift ahead of the 80th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence, and it serves as an inspiration for the younger generation to dream big and strive to achieve it,” he said.
This victory is even more special as it comes just two days before the 80th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Ratag’s fighting spirit on the water embodies the perseverance and determination passed down by the nation’s heroes.
“By winning a world championship at such a young age, Ratag has not only brought pride to Indonesia but has also inspired the younger generation to dare to dream and excel at the international level,” Troy added.
As the local organizer of the APB-UIM Endurance World Championship Grand Prix of Indonesia, the InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) played an active role together with stakeholders in ensuring the readiness of infrastructure, facilities, and supporting services. This collaboration was key to delivering a world-class event in Lake Toba that successfully created a competitive atmosphere for the athletes and an unforgettable experience for spectators.
(M Siboro korwil Sumut)
