Banda Island has been historically known as a leading producer of spice since the 16th century.
"The younger generation here must be willing to do three things ---managing fish, managing nutmeg and managing historical tourism. By doing so, the island will once again progress and will attract international tourists," he told students of Hatta-Sjahrir Fishery College in Banda Naira on Thursday.
Kalla, accompanied by his wife Mufidah Jusuf Kalla, visited the Banda Island on board an Indonesian warship, KRI Surabaya 591, to inspect fishery sector infrastructure and watch artifacts dating back to the 16th century in the island where two of the countrys founders, late Mohammad Hatta and Sultan Sjahrir, lived in exile.
It is undeniable that the history of the Indonesian nation began from Banda Island because of its spices, particularly nutmeg, which attracted the European nation in the 16th century, he said.
However, even though the glory of Banda nutmeg has faded away, people should not be content with being proud of this past heritage, but should make efforts to once again build a better future, he said.
"The past is important and unforgettable, but the most important thing now is how to build on our heritage and manage it so that it attracts tourists," he said. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
