Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Public Works and Housing Ministry has built infrastructure to support development of the tourism industry in Raja Ampat, West Papua, that has frequently received complaints from tourists over its inadequate supporting facilities.

Piaynemo Island in Raja Ampat District, West Papua Province, is one of the popular tourist destinations endowed with the beauty of a group of coral islets and clear sea waters.

"Infrastructure development in each National Tourism Strategic Zone (KSPN) is designed in an integrated manner by structuring the area and roads, providing raw and clean water, offering waste management and sanitation facilities, and improving residential resettlements through an infrastructure development master plan prepared by the Agency for Regional Infrastructure Development," Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono noted in a press release received here on Monday.

The distance from Raja Ampat District's capital of Waisai to Piaynemo can be covered in two hours aboard a speedboat or five hours from Sorong Port.

To enjoy the scenic beauty of the karst island cluster, visitors must climb the hill measuring 30-40 meters in height.

The road to the hill is quite steep, for which tourists should use proper footwear and tread cautiously.

In 2018, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, through the Directorate General of Human Settlements, had developed the tourist area of Piaynemo Hill.

Related news: The destination of Piaynemo Raja Ampat has been reopened

The infrastructure covered the steps to the peak of the hill, souvenir kiosks, viewing post, resting place, and mooring floating boats and wooden boats.

The construction of stairs is expected to offer greater comfort of tourists. A total of 320 wooden steps were built till the hilltop that took 20 minutes to scale.

These steps are designed in a way that trees around were not cut and would not obstruct their growth. Along with adding to the natural beauty of the local area, this arrangement aims to increase the aesthetic appeal of artificial elements, so that the natural beauty is maintained.

This is in line with the concept of environment-based tourism developed in Raja Ampat District.

The arrangement of the Piaynemo Hill Tourism Area is part of the National Strategic Area activity group implemented from January 19 to November 5, 2018, through funds totaling Rp19.9 billion sourced from the state budget.

This arrangement is expected to offer greater comfort to travelers and boost tourist visits to Piaynemo Hill.
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Translator: Ahmad Wijaya/Bambang Purwanto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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