The botanical garden not only serves as a conservation area but also a new tourist attraction, particularly as it is close to the Nongsa tourist area and an international port, Ardiwinata, acting chief of the Batam City Culture and Tourism Office, stated.
"It will be part of the tour packages that tourism operators will offer," he stated.
He believed that the botanical garden, with a collection of some 2,500 maritime plant species, will attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
The botanical garden will attract several visitors, as it not only serves as a tourist attraction but also functions as a medium of education, he noted.
"The botanical garden is located in the Nongsa area. It is very close to tourist resorts and a port. It is an ideal place for tourists to visit. Please come to the Batam Botanical Garden. You will be drawn to visiting it again," he emphasized.
Inauguration of the botanical garden was part of the activities commemorating the 189th anniversary of Batam City. The inauguration ceremony was marked by the planting of the Nibun tree as a mascot of the botanical garden.
A total of 189 pigeons were set free to symbolize the 189th anniversary of the city.
With the inauguration of the botanical garden, tourists have several places to visit in the Riau Islands Province, Chief of the Riau Islands Provincial Tourism Office Buralimar stated.
Reporting by Jannatun Naim, Suharto
Editing by Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
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