"We are very impressed by the launch of the heritage tourism of the old city of Bandar Grissee. I have seen it, and it is very beautiful," the minister noted at the inauguration of the Bandar Grissee Heritage Tourism Area, Gresik, East Java, as quoted from an official statement received here on Wednesday.
This initiative would offer economic stimulus to locals, so that the tourism industry can improve the lives of its people.
The Bandar Grissee Heritage Tourism Area was a port that became the first trade center in Indonesia. Situated in this area is the tomb of Siti Fatimah Binti Maimun, the oldest tomb in Southeast Asia.
The Banda Grissee Heritage Tourism Area has four different villages, and each has its own characteristics. The four villages are colonial villages, native villages, Chinatown village, and Arab village.
The colonial village has a typical Dutch building design that can be used as a cultural heritage, while the native village is inhabited by the natives of Gresik.
The Chinatown village has the oldest pagoda in Indonesia that adds certain flavour to Gresik District's history. In the Arab village is located the Tomb of Syeh Maulana Malik Ibrahim that is expected to promote the development of religious tourism once the entire tourism area has been rearranged.
"This historical tour is very interesting. It is an attraction that is in great demand. There is also religious tourism here that inspires (people with) noble values, and this area can be used as a heritage city," he remarked.
To the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), districts and cities assigned as heritage locations can cement characteristics of a destination, open up business opportunities, and provide higher income.
The minister also commended the Bandar Grissee Old Town Festival, a part of events for the inauguration of the Bandar Grissee Heritage Tourism Area.
The festival exhibited various Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the culinary and craft sector as well as musical performances from local Gresik musicians.
"I ask the Head of District and Head of Office to promote the Bandar Grissee Old Town Festival to become a national event by registering it in KEN (Kharisma Event Nusantara), so that it can attract more tourists visiting Gresik District. Thus, our economic revival can be created in Gresik District," he noted.
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Translator: M Baqir I A, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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