"According to our assessment, a hospitality industry on Berhala island will have very bright prospects and therefore the Tanjung Jabung district government`s plan to build hotels on the island is positively welcomed by hoteliers in Jambi," local PHRI Chairman Arkani said in Jambi on Tuesday.
Arkani noted the dispute over Berhala island between Riau Islands Province and Jambi Province had been resolved by Home Affairs Minister`s Decree No.44/2011 affirming that the island was part of Jambi province.
He said there were three things that would attract tourists to Berhala island, namely the fact that it was the object of an armed struggle, its historical value, and its natural beauty.
Berhala island had historical value because there visitors could see a number of ancient cannons from the colonial Dutch era and the tomb of Datuk Berhala, a Malay Jambi king after whom the island is named.
The island also has natural beauty of white sandy beaches which are ideal for various water related activities favored by tourists.
In light of this, Arkani was optimistic that hoteliers would be attracted to invest and do business on the island, so long as they has good cooperation with the local community and government.
"I am optimistic that Berhala island will become a destination of both domestic and foreign tourists if it is managed properly by involving various related parties," Arkani said.
Meanwhile, Tanjung Jabung Timur district administration spokesman Mustafa Kalam said Berhala island would be developed into a tourist resort.
"With the question of the island`s legal status now settked, the Tanjung Jabung Timur district government is drawing up a development plan for the island with its prospective tourism potential," Mustafa said.
(Uu.O001/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
