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69,000 tourists flock to Tongkang Burning Festival in Riau
Tongkang Burning Festival reportedly saw a 30 percent increase in tourists this year from last year's 52,000 visitors.
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Tongkang Burning Festival was first introduced to the people of Riau in the 19th century to commemorate the presence of Chinese people in Bagansiapiapi in 1820. (Instagram.com/ulex.bulu)
Around 69,000 tourists reportedly flocked to Tongkang Burning Festival 2018 in Bagansiapiapi, Rokan Hilir regency, Riau.
"According to data from the festival's committee, around 40,000 domestic and 29,000 foreign tourists visited the festival," Riau Tourism Agency head Fahmizal Usman said on Saturday in a statement as quoted by kompas.com.
The festival reportedly saw a 30 percent increase in tourists this year from last year's 52,000 visitors.
Read also: Wild elephant gives birth in wildlife reserve in Riau
The Tourism Ministry's Wonderful Indonesia Top 100 Calendar of Events executive head Esthy Reko Astuti said she was very enthusiastic about welcoming the tongkang burning procession.
"As one of Indonesia's tourist attractions, this event is always successful [...] especially in attracting tourists," said Esthy.
The annual event was first introduced to the people of Riau in the 19th century to commemorate the presence of Chinese people in Bagansiapiapi in 1820. Through the ritual, the area looks to further develop as the Hong Kong of Andalas. (kes)
