Morning mist still lingered over Balige when the sound of jet skis broke the calm surface of Lake Toba. Along the shoreline, transformed into a spectator area, the atmosphere slowly came alive. Long before cheers filled the air, hundreds of hands were already at work. Every container arrived on schedule. International guests were welcomed with care. Each operational detail was checked and rechecked to ensure the day unfolded seamlessly.
Behind the scale and spectacle of the Aquabike Pro Circuit World Championship 2025 and the F1 Powerboat World Championship, held in August, stood the team from IAS Support.
As part of InJourney Aviation Services, IAS Support played a key role in ensuring smooth on ground operations throughout the event. Through integrated facility management services, the team maintained order, cleanliness, and safety across all areas, from arrival points to race venues, allowing athletes, officials, and spectators to focus fully on the experience.
For IAS Support, hosting two international water sport championships at Lake Toba was more than an operational assignment. It was a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate the capability of local talent on a global stage. The team delivered services that met international standards, while bringing the warmth and hospitality that define Indonesia into every interaction.
Guests felt that care from the moment they arrived. Every movement was planned with precision, yet delivered with a human touch that made each welcome feel personal. To support the scale of the event, more than 150 local residents were engaged as additional personnel, becoming an essential part of the operational backbone and the overall success of the championship.
On race day, the sky above Toba turned a clear blue. Spectators lined the lakeside as athletes from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia raced across the water, competing at the highest level.
Hasoluan Firman Sihombing, a resident of Napitupulu Bagasan, was part of the facility care unit tasked with ensuring public facilities operated at their best. His responsibilities included maintaining toilets, tents, and shared spaces so visitors could enjoy the event in comfort throughout the day.
“We make sure all public facilities function properly and remain clean and comfortable for everyone involved,” he shared. “I am proud to be part of this event. I hope it highlights the beauty of Balige and introduces Indonesian culture to the international community.”
From early morning, Firman was already on standby, preparing and maintaining public areas to ensure every visitor received a positive experience from start to finish.
Nearby, Mastah Veronica Napitupulu, another member of the facility care unit, closely monitored cleanliness across the spectator areas. For her, the role extended beyond operational duties. It became a learning experience that reshaped her understanding of professional service.
“I am happy and proud to work at this event as part of the facility care unit,” she said. “This role is not only about cleanliness. We also learn hospitality. How to greet people, offer help, and make sure visitors feel respected.”
As the races concluded and the afternoon sun cast a gentle glow across the lake, most spectators left with memories of Lake Toba’s beauty and the thrill of competition. For Firman, Mastah, and the IAS Support facility management team, the most lasting moments were found in the smiles of guests who felt welcomed, supported, and well cared for throughout the event.
