it was time for Palestine to change its image as a damaged city into one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia is eyeing Palestine`s tourism potential for promotion as a new tourist destination to Indonesians in the future, Indonesian Ambassador to Jordan and Palestine Zainulbahar Noor said here on Tuesday.

"I`m now trying to design an MoU between the governments of Indonesia and Palestine about the possibility for Indonesian tourists to visit Palestine and vice versa," the ambassador said.

He said it was time for Palestine to change its image as a damaged city into one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world.

"So far Palestine has been receiving donations and humanitarian aid from Indonesia. But I think it will be even better for Palestine if only Indonesian tourists realize that the country is quite peaceful and beautiful. In that way Palestine will get more value from its tourism sector while Indonesia and other muslim countries will get psychological benefit by visiting one of the most sacred places in Islam," the ambassador said.

The ambassador expressed hope that the MoU would be realized soon.

According to the official website for Palestine`s Tourism www.travelpalestine.ps there are various tourist attractions in the country such as Abraham`s mosque (Al-Haram), a formidable rectangular building which looks like a fortress. The construction of the walls and pavement is the work of King Herod. Inside, a vaulted Crusader church has been turned into a mosque housing the tomb of the prophets and their wives.

Inside the mosque is the Mihrab made of multi-colored marble and fine mosaics. The carved walnut Minbar, or pulpit next to it is a masterpiece of intricate workmanship. Another fine pulpit brought by Salah Ad-Din from Egypt, stands near the praying alcove.

Additional Crusader and Mamluk structures combine to make al-Haram one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Palestine. There are six tombs in the Mosque of Abraham, which are said to stand directly above the graves of the prophets and their wives buried in the Cave of el-Anbia.

Another tourist destination owned by Palestine is the ancient city of Jericho which is located 2 km from the northwestern outskirts of Jericho. Situated on a mound overlooking the Jericho oasis, excavations at Tell al-Sultan uncovered 23 layers of ancient civilizations, dating back to 9000 BC. Many structures are visible, including the oldest known stairs in the world, the oldest wall, and the massive defense tower, dating back to 7000 BC.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011