The capital of West Kalimantan province lies exactly on the Equator. Twice a year, the sun hovers right above the city, which lies on the imaginary line dividing the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
"The equinox occurs from March 21–23 and September 21–23 every year. This natural phenomenon has become a tourist attraction in Pontianak city," he said in Pontianak on Thursday.
On equinox, the tilt of the Earth, relative to the sun, is zero degrees, making day and night almost exactly equal in length.
With the sun overhead on these dates, shadows of people or trees disappear for a few minutes.
During equinox, the Equator Monument of Pontianak is often thronged by tourists wishing to witness the natural phenomenon.
"The existence of the Equator Monument is proof that Pontianak city is on the Earth's central line that divides the northern and southern parts of the Earth," Sofian said.
People can witness not only shadowless events, but also several other natural phenomena during equinox, he informed.
"We can set eggs upright and there is a difference in the direction of rotation of the water flow between those located in the northern and southern parts of the Earth," he expounded.
According to Sofian, the Equator Monument has become a magnet for tourists and a source of pride for the residents of Pontianak city.
This is evident from the 75,034 domestic tourist visits and 11,109 foreign tourist visits recorded in the city in 2023.
The Pontianak city administration has seen the potential to generate regional income through the large number of tourists visiting the monument.
"Thank God, the Equator Monument has become a paid tourist attraction that contributes to Pontianak City's Regional Original Income (PAD) and has been in effect since February 1, 2024," the acting mayor added.
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Translator: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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