As quoted in a broadcast from the Bali Government in Denpasar, Thursday, Koster praised Gianyar Regent I Made Agus Mahayastra for establishing the market that aligns with Ubud's tourism history.
"The Ubud Market is expected to be one of our persistent efforts to enhance the tourism services we have to offer that in turn would help improve the people's welfare," he remarked.
In addition to inaugurating the market, the governor signed a statue of the province's historical figure Ida Cokorda Agung Sukawati that is situated in the middle of the market.
Koster detailed that the statue is considered as a historical monument, as it embodies Sukawati's deed in placing the foundation stone for tourism in Bali.
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Furthermore, he said that during the decade of the 1930s, Sukawati had succeeded in etching his name in history for his unswerving efforts in developing cultural tourism in Bali, especially Gianyar, the hometown of Vice Governor of Bali Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana
"This monument is of high importance to the next generations, as it presents a reminder of the need for preservation of our cultural tourism, so that Bali, in the context of tourism, can maintain its competitiveness in the face of local, national, and even global dynamics," he stated.
After inaugurating the market, the governor received a book from a local elderly figure.
The book sheds light on the life history of Sukawati, starting from his birth to the time when the government named him as Bali's cultural tourism pioneer.
"The book also contains several historical documents that serve as proofs of Sukawati's innovation in traditional arts," the governor added.
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Translator: Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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