Indonesia Hosts CMAS Underwater Photography World Championship 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Buleleng - Participants from 19 countries are taking part in the underwater photography and video world championship in Buleleng Regency, Bali. The Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS) event officially opened on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The organizers are holding the championship at Taman Sari Bali Resort Spa in Pemuteran Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict, Buleleng. The world event serves as a strategic opportunity to showcase Indonesia's marine wealth and strengthen efforts to preserve underwater ecosystems.

Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Lieutenant General (Ret.) Marciano Norman attended the opening ceremony. His presence demonstrated Indonesia's capacity to host international-level sports competitions.

“As KONI Chairman, I would like to express my highest appreciation and recognition to the Indonesian Sports Diving Association (POSSI) for its enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work in developing the sport in Indonesia, while also making Indonesia the host of an international championship," Marciano said.

"This championship is also an opportunity to show the world how beautiful Indonesia's waters are. The participants' visual works can serve as a strong message about the richness and beauty of Indonesia's underwater world,” he added.

Marciano said the major event could strengthen Bali's sport tourism and sport industry sectors. The presence of international athletes could drive the local economy and tourism sector.

“We hope this championship serves not only as a competition but also as part of the development process to elevate Indonesian diving athletes to the world stage," he said.

"I encourage participants to deliver their best performances, enjoy the beauty of Indonesia -- especially Bali -- and take lasting memories home," he continued, adding that equally important is that they should carry with them a message about the need to preserve underwater ecosystems.

POSSI Chairman Police Com. Gen. Makhruzi Rahman provided an explanation about hoe Indonesia won the highly competitive bid against other countries through a well-prepared championship proposal. “About two months ago, we competed with countries that also wanted to host this event," he said.

"Thankfully, we were selected after presenting Indonesia's readiness, from the location to the organizing committee," he added.

He said his side had explored Labuan Bajo, Manado, Kalimantan, and Wakatobi, because in October, waves and currents must be taken into consideration. "We finally chose Pemuteran because it is relatively calmer and we can guarantee the safety of the participants."

He noted that selecting the venue required careful technical assessment to ensure participant safety, while the readiness of the national organizing committee underscored Indonesia’s ability to host a prestigious water sports event.

“From a tourism perspective, Pemuteran is not widely known internationally. This championship will help introduce it as a diving destination. We also have experience hosting global events, including world championships and, more recently, the SEA Games for fin swimming,” he said.

CMAS Director Kerim Sabuncuoglu emphasized the importance of balancing sporting competition with environmental preservation, urging participants to capture the beauty of the sea without harming coral reefs.

“This championship is not only about competition but also coral conservation," he said expressing hope that the divers handle their cameras carefully, protect the environment, and prepare thoroughly before entering the water.

"Produce your best photographs so that when you return home, you bring not only competition results but also lasting and meaningful experiences from Indonesia,” he concluded.

The prestigious event demonstrates how water sports competitions can introduce Indonesia's natural wealth to the international community. It also builds global collective awareness of the importance of preserving marine ecosystems for future generations. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)