T

he recent success of the Tour de Central Celebes (TDCC) international cycling race held in Poso, Central Sulawesi, could signal that the regency, once considered a hotbed for terrorists, is once again secure enough to receive visitors.

Poso has gained nationwide attention as the home of the notorious East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group, but according to Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola, there was no need to fear the region.

Longki made the statement in Poso city on Monday after officially starting the second stage of the international cycling race, which featured participants from 18 countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, France and Indonesia.

“You can see [that] residents were very enthusiastic greeting guests, without disturbance. They feel safe,” Longki said.

The two-day event was held as part of a campaign to promote Poso, which has long been associated with violent religious conflicts and terrorism, as a safe and beautiful place to visit.

“I refer to [Poso] as heaven along the equator,” Longki said.

The MIT terrorist group remains in hiding in forest areas far from Poso city, he said, adding that a joint police and military task force under Operation Tinombala continued to chase down remaining members.

The 2017 TDCC kicked off in Ampana, Tojo Una-Una regency, and passed through Poso and Parigi Moutong regencies to end in the provincial capital of Palu, covering a distance of 486.9 kilometers.

The finish line for the first stage was located in Tentena city on the banks of Lake Poso, some 56 km south of Poso city.

Head commissioner of the International Cyclist Union (UCI), Martyn Bruinn, also expressed his admiration of the region’s natural beauty and the friendliness of its people. He said he saw no traces of the conflict he had heard about in the media.

“I hope next year, together with a bigger team, I can return to Poso for the second Tour De Central Celebes,” Bruinn said.

Resident Wisnu Pratama blamed the regency’s negative reputation on social media and its users for only spreading horrific images of Poso. As a result, people were reluctant to come to the city, which was once a favorite weekend destination, he said.

Poso Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Bogieq Sugiyarto said 800 security personnel had been deployed to secure the first lap of the race from Ampana to Poso.

Operation Tinombala was successful in tracking down and fatally shooting MIT leader Santoso (also known as Abu Wardah) last year. The group, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State movement, has since dwindled in number.

Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Rudy Sufahriadi said the manhunt for terrorist suspects in Poso had been extended to end on Dec. 29, as seven members of MIT were still hiding in the regency’s mountainous forests.