Other than its potential for nature tourism, Sumenep has historical or cultural tourism potential, with keraton and the Jamik Sumenep Mosque that can become icon destinations, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno remarked at the Great Madura Tourism and Creative Economy Development Discussion Forum in Sumenep, according to a press statement issued on Saturday.
"The top tourism is Gili Labak, health tourism is Gili Iyang, beach tourism is Gili Genting, Lombang Beach in Batang-Batang, and Slopeng Beach in Ambunten," he said.
According to Uno, the government will develop the tourism potential in the area with the advice of kyai (Islamic teachers), who are implementing aspects of Islami, Indonesiawi, and Madurawi.
Regarding creative economy, he said that batik from Madura has distinctive motifs and patterns, which are considered to require high competency to produce.
"Madura batik is amazing with its motifs and patterns. Even Bariklana, a stamina-enhancing drink, can enter the market," Uno added.
He said he also wants Madura, which is famous for salt production, to rebrand itself as an island that prioritizes creativity.
"I want the Great Madura to be rebranded; there is no problem that Madura is known as a salt producer. However, I want to rebrand Madura as a creative island. An island that develops to an independent, prosperous, just, and affluent society," he explained.
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Uno also said that Madura society must encourage an entrepreneurial spirit, for instance, by creating batik products from its four districts.
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy already has three programs that can support economic revival and open up job opportunities in the post-pandemic era.
The three programs are the Creative District/City (KaTa), the Appreciation of Indonesian Creation (AKI), and the Indonesia Tourism Villages Awards (ADWI).
"These (programs) can be (a form of) collaboration to support the economic recovery in the Great Madura post-pandemic," he remarked.
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Translator: Maria C, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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