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Penyengat Island to focus on religious tourism
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Aerial shot of Riau Islands. (Shutterstock/File)
T
he Tourism Ministry together with Tanjung Pinang administration have signed an MoU to develop religious tourism in Penyengat Island, Riau Islands.
The signing was done during Penyengat Island Festival on July 21.
Tourism Ministry's Archipelago Marketing Development deputy Esthy Reko Astuti said that the signing of MoU means that the island has to focus on promoting religious destinations to neighboring countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Read also: Five places to go in Jakarta to observe religious diversity
“We’re sure that Penyengat Island will be the lead in border tourism due to its historical value. In the future, it will be presented in the form of religious tourism that offers pilgrimage activity,” said Esthy.
Penyengat Island is considered to be the center of Malay culture that is closely related to Islam.
“When they are culturally related, they will be interested to pay a visit not only for a vacation but also for silahturahmi [communal togetherness] to their ancestors who came from Penyengat Island,” she added.
This year the ministry is targeting for Riau Islands to welcome 2.2 million foreign tourists. (kes)
