"All parties must collaborate to build Bukittinggi City, especially for the Lambuang Station Culinary Center," Thohir stated while inaugurating the area.
He remarked that after the COVID-19 pandemic, Bukittinggi should be able to revive its economic and tourism sectors. To this end, the local government needs to collaborate with several parties.
"All of us must collaborate to ensure Bukittinggi City becomes a tourist destination," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the minister drew attention to several key factors in advancing Bukittinggi's tourism and economy.
Thohir explained that essential factors in boosting tourism are the presence of scenic landscapes, friendly culture, warm welcome by the locals to tourists, and culinary arts, as well as the support of adequate infrastructure.
He noted that West Sumatra is one of the regions that is renowned globally, as is apparent from the number of Padang restaurants in various countries.
Meanwhile, House member Andre Rosiade stated that the culinary center at Lambuang Station is proof of collaboration among the local government, House of Representatives, central government, and other related parties.
"This is proof of the acceleration of West Sumatra's development through cross-collaboration," he affirmed.
He said that Bukittinggi Mayor Erman Safar had succeeded in turning the former train station into the largest culinary center in the province.
"We hope that this culinary center will increase Bukittinggi's original revenue and contribute to the national economy," he remarked.
Mayor Safar said the Lambuang Station carries the concept of integrated culinary tourism.
"Bukittinggi wants to absorb more tourists from various regions through (the promotion of) culinary (arts)," he stated.
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Translator: M Zulfikar, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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