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Total solar eclipse turns into C.Sulawesi tourism promotion event
When the lights go down: Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola (left), accompanied by Sigi Regent M
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span class="inline inline-center">When the lights go down: Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola (left), accompanied by Sigi Regent M.Irwan Lapata, rides a bullock cart to reach the venue of the Total Solar Eclipse Festival in North Pakuli village, Gumbasa district, Sigi regency, around 40 kilometers south of Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, Sunday. The festival, which offers various activities such as art performances and a traditional culinary exhibition, is expected to draw domestic and foreign tourists. (thejakartapost.com/Ruslan Sangadji)
A total solar eclipse set to occur on Wednesday has helped promote tourism in Central Sulawesi. A number of areas in the province where the eclipse will be visible are holding festivals to attract tourists.
At least four regencies in Central Sulawesi are holding art and culture festivals to welcome foreign and domestic tourists visiting to observe the March 9 total solar eclipse.
A number of cultural events, such as traditional dance and music performances, as well as a traditional culinary exhibition, are being held in Banggai, Parigi Moutong, Poso and Sigi regencies.
'It is hoped that this event can become a great and historical moment to promote the uniqueness of Sigi to the world,' Sigi administration's head of culture and tourism, Dewi Cahyawati Abdullah, told thejakartapost.com on Monday.
Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola said the total solar eclipse had become a free tourism promotion event for the province.
Longki said Sigi was one of seven regencies in Central Sulawesi where the total solar eclipse could be observed and that all parties should take advantage of the event to promote tourism in the province.
The governor further reminded that all Central Sulawesi residents should help welcome foreign guests and make them feel at home. 'We should show that we are friendly people. We should show the world that Sigi has incredible nature and is a beautiful place from where they can observe the total solar eclipse,' said Longki.
The governor said Vice President Jusuf Kalla was scheduled to observe the eclipse in Kotapulu village, Dolo district, Sigi regency, around 15 kilometers south of Palu, the province's capital.
'In the village, the Vice President will witness the eclipse with a telescope prepared by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency [BMKG],' he said.
From Kotapulu, Kalla is scheduled to open the Gate Ball International Tournament and inaugurate a total solar eclipse monument at the Nusantara Pavilion in Palu.
The total solar eclipse can be seen in six provinces, namely Bangka Belitung, Central Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, North Maluku and South Sumatra. The eclipse will be visible in several cities in the provinces, including Balikpapan, Bangka, Belitung, Halmahera, Luwuk, Palangkaraya, Palembang, Palu, Poso, Sampit, Ternate and Tidore. (afr/ebf)(+)
