Protests halt theme park at historic Sulawesi fort

Part of a planned theme park at Gowa’s Somba Opu fort in South Sulawesi has been canceled following protests from the public, the developer says.

Project developer Zainal Tayeb of PT Mirah Megah Wisata said Saturday the decision was made after he met with authorities, historians, archeologists, architects, students and observers.

“I will relocate the bird and elephant parks if they bother and damage the cultural site,” he said. “But, please, show me where I can build the two parks.”

Zainal said he was not aware Somba Opu fort was a historic site because he had just accepted South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo’s offer to build parks there.

“I intended to improve the location actually, not to damage it,” he said. “But, if it is wrong, I am ready to follow the expert’s recommendations.”