“We need to consistently promote and highlight this so Bengkulu can become a destination for historical and nature tourism,” Puspa said in a statement received here on Sunday.
During her visit to Bengkulu, she toured several historical sites designed to inspire and educate tourists in an engaging way.
One of these is Soekarno’s exile home, which has been transformed into a museum and cultural heritage site.
She explained that the building preserves the founding father’s ideas and stories from his period of exile.
Afterward, the deputy minister visited the house belonging to Fatmawati, Indonesia’s first First Lady, located about 700 meters from the previous site.
In Fatmawati’s home, visitors can see photos, clothing, and household items, including the table where she sewed the Indonesian flag.
"I saw how great she was, an example for us Indonesian women," Puspa remarked.
She also visited Fort Marlborough, which was built in 1714 during the British occupation. The fort features classical architecture and ornaments, complemented by sweeping views of the ocean, she added.
At the end of her visit, she also promoted Bengkulu’s local products, such as those sold at Sari Rasa—a store known for its snacks made from Bengkulu’s calamansi orange.
Puspa expressed hope that the Bengkulu Provincial Government will emphasize the region’s natural and historical assets in promoting and developing tourism, thereby attracting both domestic and international visitors and making Bengkulu a top destination.
“The Tabut Festival shows that the culture here is very much alive and dynamic. Now it is time for us to support the promotion of Bengkulu’s tourism destinations so they can go global,” she said.
She added that she is optimistic about reaching the target of 14.6 million domestic tourists and 16 million international tourists.
Moreover, the government is aiming for 1.08 billion tourism activities in 2025, she noted.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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