TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Slank performs in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT)
Change Size
Rock group, Slank pose amid the launching of their latest album. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
R
ock band Slank recently rocked the Wonderful Indonesia concert that was held on Sept. 22 at Simpang Lima Public Field, Atambua, Belu, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Hours before Slank went up to the stage, the area was already filled with thousands of people, both locals and concertgoers from neighboring country Timor Leste.
The theme of the concert was “Peace, Love, Unity and Respect,” at the concert Slank performed 22 of their hits such as “Gara Gara Kamu” (Because of You), Virus, “Ku Tak Bisa” (I Can’t) and Garuda Pancasila as well as songs from their 22nd album like “Palalopeyank.”
“Slank isn’t just a musician, the band is also a messenger. They have a strong influence to invite both Indonesians and people from Timor Leste to care about arts and tourism in Indonesia,” said tourism minister Arief Yahya.
Read also: On the road with José Ramos-Horta
Prior to Slank, Atambua also hosted two renowned Indonesian rock bands Cokelat and Jamrud for a concert held on August 28. The event was attended by thousands of people from around the area as well as from Timor Leste.
“Our appreciation goes out to the tourism ministry who keeps on working hard in making Atambua as a festival city. This event also means a lot for the economy, it provides income for the local people and moves the economic cycle,” said Belu regent Wilibrodus Lay.
The ministry's archipelago tourism marketing development deputy Esthy Reko Astuti said that she will keep on pushing cross-border destinations as a potential market including NTT which is adjacent to Timor Leste.
One of the ministry’s efforts is opening direct routes to some popular tourist areas as well as easing up the regulation at every cross-border post (PLBN).
“There are three potential entrance gates in the cross-border area which are PLBN Motaain, Motamasin and Wini. The permission can be obtained easily now,” added the ministry’s head of man-made promotion, Ni Putu Gayatri. (asw)
