Travelers must come here since Penyengat Island is the historic site of the Sultanate of Riau and Johor.Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Penyengat Island in Tanjungpinang City, Riau Islands Province, is suitable to be developed as a spirituality, serenity, and sustainability (3S)-based tourism destination, according to Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno.
In the company of Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad, the minister and his entourage arrived on the island on Saturday.
Furthermore, he visited Riau Sultan Penyengat Mosque and held a prayer. He admitted to having heard a lot about the history of the mosque.
"However, it is the first time I perform a prayer here. The air is quite cool. Domestic tourists must visit this mosque," he stated.
Hence, Uno will also encourage Penyengat Island to become one of the icons of halal tourism in future.
In addition, he affirmed that creative economy products from the historic island had potential to be developed.
The products include nasi dagang (rice cooked with coconut milk and served with smoked fish), deram-deram (small crispy and savory donut with three or four holes), air dohot (a drink made of dried oriental persimmon, raisin, dried longan, and dried dohot fruit – a local red fruit with texture and taste similar to dates).
Related news: 120 Malaysian students study poetry in Tanjungpinang
"Travelers must come here since Penyengat Island is a historic site of the Sultanate of Riau and Johor," the minister emphasized.
Meanwhile, Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad has ensured that in 2022, Penyengat Island will be revitalized to increase its aesthetic appeal for domestic and foreign tourists.
The provincial government has allocated Rp30 billion for the island restructuring project.
The governor stated that all roads and supporting facilities would be beautified, including the Riau Sultan Penyengat Mosque.
He expressed belief that the island had a high tourism value if it is managed well.
"Thus, if the minister undertakes another visit at the end of 2022, I guarantee that the island will be more magnificent," he remarked.
Related news: Penyengat Island, small but great
Translator: Ogen, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
